Unsafe Work Systems

A metal engineering company was last week fined following an accident involving one of its employees.

The employee was helping guide a heavily loaded forklift truck when it tipped over, causing its load of angle irons to land on him. He suffered serious fractures to his leg.

An investigation revealed that the task was being carried out using an extension to the forks of the truck which had been constructed on site without adequate tests. The company had also failed to adequately train its employees.

The Health and Saftey Executive (HSE) were quoted after the hearing as saying; “Incidents involving forklifts are all too common, and often could have been avoided altogether had the operators and supervisors been properly trained”.

Under Employment Regulations, employers have a duty to ensure their employees are safe in work. As well as training their staff, employers must ensure that any work equipment is fit for its purpose and that all systems of work are safe.

If these Regulations are breached, in addition to being fined employers could also be liable to pay their employee damages for any pain, suffering and loss of amenity incurred as a result of the accident.

If you have suffered any accident at work please contact Gregory Abrams Davidson Solicitors on the above telephone number for advice.