Poor visibility for driver proves fatal

Summary

A worker was fatally injured when he was trapped between a JCB and a Volvo dump truck. The employer instructed the JCB driver to reverse his vehicle but failed to direct the reversing manoeuvre despite being in a position to do so. As the driver reversed down a steep slope into the shed, he felt a bump and realised that he had struck the rear of the dump truck. As he eased forwards the victims body fell to the ground between the vehicles.

Action

The company was prosecuted at Swansea Crown Court under Section 3(1) of the Health and safety at Work etc Act 1974 for not having a safe system of work for reversing machines into workshop. The Judge fined the company £15,000 plus costs of £22,544.32 for having little regard for others' safety.

Advice

When vehicles are reversing it is important that aids such as mirrors are fitted and maintained to allow the driver to see down the sides of the vehicle. To aid visibility at the rear of the vehicle CCTV cameras can be fitted or a banksman can be used to direct the vehicles manoeuvre.