Broken back at work

Oak View Tree Specialists Limited has been fined after a 19 year old employee suffered potentially life-changing injuries due to lack of training.

Broken back – dumper truck over turned

In an investigation led by the Health and Safety Executive, Basildon Magistrates’ Court heard that the unnamed man had received only several minutes training on the equipment when the dumper truck he was operating overturned. Furthermore, the man did not have a driving licence and nor was he wearing a seatbelt.

The man broke his back in the incident. He was airlifted to hospital, where he underwent months of rehabilitation – he may never be able to walk unaided again.

Oak View Tree Specialists fined

Oak View Tree Specialists Limited, of Rayleigh, Essex, failed to supply adequate staff training and was found guilty of breaching the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. The company was fined £3,000 and was ordered to pay costs of £1,500.

HSE Inspector Keith Waller commented:

“This was entirely an avoidable incident. The defendant failed to take reasonably practicable measures because they allowed their employee to operate a dangerous item of plant machinery with only the very minimum of training.

“It is not acceptable to put drivers into vehicles that they have not previously operated, or without the necessary training by a qualified and competent instructor.”

Accident at work compensation

If you have been injured in an accident that was not your fault in the work place, you could be entitled to personal injury compensation. We offer you a FREE no-obligation consultation, during which we aim to answer all of your queries about your claim. Find out today how we could help you, call 0800 888 6 888 or email

Source: Health and Safety Executive