Forklift truck injury sees company fined £30k

A forklift incident that hospitalised an employee has resulted in a £30,000 fine for a manufacturing company in Wolverhampton.

David Lucas, 45, worked for Fablink UK Limited, a manufacturer of metal pressings, fuel and hydraulic tanks and complex structures. On 12 January 2023, he was hit by a reversing forklift truck on the company’s Stafford Road site.

Mr Lucas suffered a broken ankle and a broken elbow and spent several days in hospital after the incident.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the incident and found that Fablink had inadequate segregation measures for vehicles and pedestrians. This was despite records showing they had been advised of this shortcoming.

HSE discovered it was common practice on site for forklifts to enter welding areas while pedestrians were in close proximity.

The forklift truck involved in the incident was inspected and found to be in a poor state of repair, with a broken horn and excess wear on the tyres.

Adding to the company’s health and safety failings, HSE found Fablink had an unsuitable workplace transport risk assessment, poor maintenance regimes and inadequate arrangements for monitoring vehicle conditions.

HSE inspector Heather Campbell said of the incident:

“This case emphasises the dangers to safety from poorly managed workplace transport and plant maintenance.

“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”

Fablink UK Limited pleaded guilty at Dudley Magistrates Court on 31 July to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

They were fined £30,000 and ordered to pay costs of £6,104.10.

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