Firm Fined after Worker is Crushed by Vehicle

Motor vehicle repair firm, Just Mercedes Limited, has been fined after a young man was crushed to death by a vehicle.

Incident

27 year old Muhammed Zohaib Yasin was gaining work experience at the company’s garage in Manchester when the incident occurred.

Mr Yasin was shadowing a mechanic whilst he (the mechanic) carried out repair work on a Vauxhall Corsa and was tasked with adding some anti-freeze to the engine. As Mr Yasin was stood at the front of the vehicle, the mechanic turned the ignition on through the door on the driver’s side of the Corsa. As the mechanic did so, the car lurched forward and crushed Mr Yasin, who later died from his injuries.

HSE Investigation

Following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive, it was found that there were no defects with the vehicle itself, but it had been left in gear without the handbrake on.

HSE investigators found that employees of the vehicle repair company hadn’t been provided with any detailed instructions regarding the selection of gears and handbrake use when parking vehicles in the garage, on or off ramps.

Furthermore, staff had not been provided with specific instructions on operating the ignition from outside the vehicle and there was no process enforced regarding the storage of keys.

Sentencing

After pleading guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) and Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, Just Mercedes Ltd, of Shentonfield Road, Sharston Industrial Area, Wythenshawe, Manchester was fined £33,000. The company was also ordered to pay costs of £12,000.

Lisa Bailey, HSE inspector, said after the hearing:

“Had the company ensured employees were trained and instructed on moving vehicles around the garage safely then this tragic incident might not have occurred.”

Injury at Work – Expert Advice

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Source: Health & Safety Executive