Motor vehicle repair company fined after work experience student crushed by vehicle

Trafford Magistrates’ Court heard on 20 December 2014 Muhammed Zohaib Yasin had been working at Just Mercedes, watching another employee carry out repair work on a Vauxhall Corsa.

Mr Yasin was at the front of the vehicle as he added some antifreeze to the engine. The mechanic went to the driver’s side, opened the door and turned the ignition on from outside of the vehicle. The vehicle shot forward trapping and crushing the young man, who later died from his injuries.

A Health and Safety (HSE) investigation found no defects with the vehicle, but it had instead been left in gear with the handbrake off.

HSE found that the employees of Just Mercedes had not been given any specific instructions on selecting gears and use of handbrake when parking vehicles, on or off ramps. No specific instructions had been given to employees on operating the ignition from outside of the vehicle. There was no system in place for storage of keys.

HSE inspector Lisa Bailey said after the hearing: “Had the company ensured employees were trained and instructed on moving vehicles around the garage safely then this tragic incident might not have occurred.”

Just Mercedes pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) and Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and was fined £33,000 with £12,000 costs.