14.04.2008

HSE prosecutes RTFL driver

Gerald David Wyatt, a Rough Terrain fork truck driver working at Eardisley Sawmills, Herefordshire, UK has been prosecuted by the HSE (Health & Safety Executive) after causing serious injuries to a colleague on 17th January 2007.

Wyatt pleaded guilty on Monday 7th April 2008 to failing to take reasonable care for the health and safety of other persons under Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 so Worcester Crown Court imposed a fine of £1,750.

The Court heard that Wyatt was driving a rough-terrain forklift truck while the forks were loaded with a stack of 12 modular sheds. As he moved forwards the load significantly obscured his vision and a fellow employee was struck by the load causing a fractured pelvis, cuts and bruises.

HSE’s investigating inspector Anne Robinson said: “It is important that individuals are aware that they, as well as their employer, have duties under the law to take reasonable care of the health and safety of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work. Mr Wyatt’s employer had employed an in-house forklift truck trainer and Mr Wyatt had received regular refresher training and re-testing.

“In this case his forward visibility was significantly obscured by the load and he could not see his colleague. The injuries inflicted could have been significantly worse, or even fatal. Operators of lift trucks must ensure that they operate them in accordance with the training they have been given to prevent such tragedies.”