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HSE/NW/018/08 4 February 2008

HSE warns of the dangers of using fork lift trucks inappropriately after Carlisle firm is fined

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning employers of the danger of using forklift trucks inappropriately. The warning follows the prosecution of a Carlisle joinery company after an employee was lifted eight feet into the air on a forklift truck to fit a company sign.

Dick Thompson and Co (Cumbria) Ltd of Blackdyke Road, Carlisle were fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £834.39 costs at Carlisle Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to a charge under section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 that they failed to ensure the safety of an employee.

The court heard that on 8 August 2007 HSE inspector Mhairi Duffy visited the premises when she saw employee Ryan Jewett being lifted eight feet into the air on a pallet on a fork lift truck to fit a company sign to their own premises. The company was issued with a Prohibition Notice at the time and the prosecution has subsequently followed.

HSE Inspector Mhairi Duffy said

"Although no one was injured on the occasion, this incident had all the hallmarks of an accident waiting to happen. Employers must realise that they have to take the health and safety of their employees seriously,

"Accidents involving fork lift trucks account for a large proportion of accidents in the workplace and it is an employer’s responsibility to ensure that drivers are properly trained and use the equipment properly.

"Working at heights should never be carried out from the fork arms or from a pallet balanced on the fork arms of a lift truck. Specifically designed work platforms secured to the truck may be used under limited controlled conditions."

Notes to editors

  1. Section 2(1) of the HSW Act states: "It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees."
  2. Further information about falls from at height can be found at HSE’s website http://www.hse.gov.uk/falls/index.htm

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Clive Naish, Regional Information Officer
Tel: 0161 952 4517

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Issued on behalf of HSE by Government News Network North West