forklift repair led to leg amputation

The HSE has successfully prosecuted an agricultural contractor after a poorly planned forklift truck repair resulted in a passing worker having his leg amputated.

In October 2007 an employee of Pete Mellor was repairing a lift truck at the firm's rented premises at Barn Farm in Drakelow, Derbyshire.

The repair involved the employee removing the truck's counterbalance weight, which was not supported. The 1.8 tonne weight fell and landed on a self-employed worker who was walking past. It crushed his left leg, which had to be amputated below the knee.

HSE inspector Samantha Farrar said the system of work was unsafe: the weight was not supported, the employee making the repair had been given insufficient information and instruction, and other workers were not excluded from the area.

"A suitable and sufficient [risk] assessment would have addressed all of the issues," said Farrar, "and a man may not have been left with a life-changing disability."

Peter Mellor pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act and Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, for failing to ensure the health and safety of the injured man and failing to properly risk assess the job.

On 14 May, Southern Derbyshire magistrates fined the Buxton-based contractor £12,000 plus costs of £2500.

Article created by Editor. (info@safetynetscotland.co.uk)