Royal Mail Fined after Worker’s Foot is Ran Over

Royal Mail has been prosecuted and fined £50,000 following an incident in which an employee’s foot was ran over by a reach truck.

Inicident

On 7 March 2014 at the Royal Mail Group Limited (RMG) bundling centre in Rochester, an employee operating a reach truck accidently ran over another worker as he stepped out into an aisle.

Medway Magistrates’ Court heard that the injured worker was not wearing safety boots with steel toe caps as required. As a result, he suffered broken bones and bruising to his foot.

Investigation

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the incident and found that transport within the workplace had not been managed in a way that ensured the safety of both vehicle operators and pedestrian workers. Furthermore, HSE found that if RMG had an improved system in place, the incident could have been avoided.

After pleading guilty to breaching Regulations 17(1) of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, and Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Royal Mail Group Limited, of Victoria Embankment, London was fined a total of £50,000. The company were also ordered to pay costs of £10,406.

Injury at Work – Expert Advice

If you have been injured in the workplace you could be entitled to personal injury compensation. Remember, we offer you a FREE no-obligation consultation – discover today whether you have a claim. Speak to one of our professional and friendly advisers today on 0800 888 6 888 or email

Source: Health & Safety Executive