Chester Firm Fined for Accident at Work

A construction firm in Chester has been fined after the employee of a sub-contractor was injured in an accident at work incident involving a telehandler.

Incident

At the time of the incident the employee was stood in a ‘man riding basket’ that was attached to the forks of a telehandler. The basket came loose from the telehandler and fell five meters to the ground below. The worker in question suffered a laceration to his head, as well as bruising to his ribs.

HSE Investigation

An investigation into the incident by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found a number of safety measures were not in place. The ‘man riding basket’ was not properly attached to the telehandler by the retaining bar or a chain as it should. Furthermore, only one of the forks of the telehandler had been hooked through the sleeves below the basket.

The employee was lowering the basket when he accidently titled the forks downwards, and as a result the cage slipped off the forks of the telehandler and crashed to the ground.

The HSE investigation found that the worker operating the telehandler was not competent as he had not received any formal training. The investigation found that no risk assessment or safe method of working had been implemented and that poor planning also contributed to the incident.

Sentencing & fines

After pleading guilty to breaching section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work (etc.) Act 1974, Pioneer Design and Build Ltd of Macon Court, Crewe, Cheshire was fined a total of £15,000. The company was also ordered to pay costs of £1,444.30.

HSE Inspector Christine McGlynn said after the hearing:

“This incident was avoidable. The decision to use this equipment was flawed, followed by a failure to implement control measures to ensure the safety of workers. Non-integrated baskets should only be used in exceptional circumstances and only then in accordance with guidance”

Accident at Work – Expert Advice

Accident at work compensation may be available if you have been injured in an accident at work that was not your fault. Your accident at work compensation claim could also include any instance of illness linked to your past or present working conditions. More information can be found via our ‘Accident at Work’ page.

To begin your accident at work claim, contact us today. Remember, we offer you a FREE no obligation-consultation. Call 0800 888 6 888 or email .

Source: Health & Safety Executive