Two eighteen year old workers were seriously injured after falling from a lifting platform. The two men were hired by Storetec Ltd to remove scrapped trolleys and place them in a skip using a forklift truck. The director had designed a lifting platform which was being used by the men to perform the task they had been set. Unfortunately the platform failed bringing the fork lift truck and the two men down to the ground, four and half metres below.
In the incident one of the men broke his back and the other suffered broken heels and has needed metal pins to be placed in his foot. They have both suffered with serious physical and physiological problems since the incident and their lives have been permanently affected.
Large Fines for Failing Employees
The company and one of the directors of the firm were prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive after an investigation was carried out. The inspectors discovered that the lifting platform had been designed by the director, Brian Crossan, who didn’t follow the strict guidelines and safety laws when he made the makeshift platform. There were numerous errors found such as the lack of chains securing the plate to the fork lift truck and the fork extensions not fitting onto the platform.
Storetec were fined £22,000 after breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act. They were also ordered to pay £12,134 in court costs. Mr Crossan was also fined £3,500 after pleading guilty for failing to comply with the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations. He must also pay £7,866 in court costs. Both the company and the director had to pay a victim surcharge of £15.
Managing Your Site Safely
In order to protect your employees and your company it’s vital you undertake health and safety training designed for the construction industry. One of the most popular courses is the Site Management Safety Training Scheme. The SMSTS is ideal for managers and supervisors as it teaches all candidates about their legal duties as well as vital skills needed for managing a safe site. Book your place on the SMSTS by calling 0808 1966 830 and speaking with one of our advisors.