Royal Mail worker dies

The Royal Mail has been fined £90,000 plus costs of £42,549 for failing to adequately control vehicle movements at the Heathrow Worldwide Distribution Centre (HWDC).

A 57-year old worker died, crushed between a reversing HGV and a trailer, the HGV had been lining up with the trailer unit parked at a loading bay during September 2006.

The deceased had been removing a lock from the trailer at the time.
An HSE official commented: “This was a tragic accident which could have been easily prevented if Royal Mail had exercised proper control of vehicle activities at the HWDC. The company failed to adequately assess the risk to shunters working in the yard or to identify and rectify the unsafe system and this contributed to the death. In areas where vehicles are manoeuvring, employers have a legal duty to ensure that work can be done safely. Royal Mail's guilty plea demonstrates that they acknowledge the failings and since the accident they have put measures in place to prevent a recurrence.”

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