Reference no: EM132962404
Case: Firm fined after worker's leg crushed
An agricultural contracting firm has been fined £12,000 for safety breaches, leading to an accident in which a worker lost his leg.
On 11 October 2007, the accident happened when a self-employed worker at Pete Mellor Ltd's rented premises in Drakelow, Burton-on-Trent, was hit by a forklift truck. The man was walking past an area where the 1.8-tonne machine was being repaired. Because it was not properly supported, it fell when the counterbalance weight was removed, crushing the man's lower left leg which later had to be amputated below the knee.
The company was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay £2,500 in costs after appearing before Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court and admitting not ensuring the safety of people not in its employment and failing to make proper risk assessments.
Source https://handsnews.blogspot.com/2009_05_01_archive.html (3 of 26) [24/07/2009 12:19:38]
Health and Safety News: May 2009
QUESTIONS
1. Based on the scenario, what would you say was the ultimate cause of the accident? Justify your response.
2. Do you believe the accident could have been prevented? Discuss your position on the matter.
3. As the Health and Safety Executive Inspector, you are required to investigate and advise the company on how to prevent future occurrences. Discuss your plan of action.