Man Seriously Injured in Accident at Work

A company has been fined after a worker was seriously injured in an accident at work incident that occurred in 2014.

Accident at work incident

Basildon Crown Court heard how on 16 November 2014, an employee of London Container Terminal (Tilbury) Limited (LCT) was operating a straddle carrier at Tilbury Docks. The worker accidentally drove the vehicle, used in the port terminal for stacking and moving freight shipping containers, into a large excavation area and it toppled over.

Life changing injuries

The worker suffered life changing injuries in the accident at work incident. He sustained a serious head injury that required 29 staples to close, as well ongoing post-traumatic stress disorder.

The court heard how the worker could not see the road cones, ticker tape around the excavation or the small flashing lights from his seat in the vehicles cab, as it was dark and the weather conditions were very poor.

HSE Investigation

It was found, following an investigation into the accident at work incident by the Health and Safety Executive, that LCT were ‘wholly inadequate’ to prevent the carrier from entering the excavation. Furthermore, it was found that all of the workers who had operated straddle carriers during the excavation works before the incident had been also been exposed to the risks.

Sentencing and fines

London Container Terminal Limited of Northfleet Hope House, Tilbury Docks, Tilbury pleaded guilty to breaching sections 2(1) and 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The company were fined £180,000 and ordered to pay costs of £73,296.

HSE Inspector Nicola Jaynes said after the hearing:

“This was a serious incident and that could have been much worse. This was preventable if LCT had the correct safety precautions in place. This case serves as a reminder that suitable precautions are required to protect both pedestrians and vehicles from entering excavations.”

Accident at work – expert advice

Compensation may be available if you have been injured in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault. More information can be found via our ‘Accidents 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