Fine after forklift strikes worker

Newport Magistrates’ Court heard how, on 23 November 2018, a worker needed to be placed in an induced coma after a forklift truck struck him at a premises in Crown Business Park, Dukestown, Tredegar.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that there was inadequate control of workplace transport risks. This included lack of segregation between vehicles and pedestrians, no safe pedestrian crossings where vehicle and pedestrian routes crossed and insufficient safety signage to highlight hazards.

G-Tekt Europe Manufacturing Limited of Gloucester Business Park, Golf Club Lane, Brockworth, Gloucester was found guilty of breaching Section 4(1) of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and was fined £525,000 and ordered to pay costs of £8,014.40.

Speaking after the case, HSE inspector, Sian Donne said, “Failure to ensure that workplace transport is managed safely is a serious breach of fundamental health and safety duties.”