The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned of the danger of using forklift trucks after a man died when a container of dye crushed him when he was assisting with an unloading operation.
The warning follows the prosecution of Townley Dyestuffs Ltd of High Street, Tarporley, Cheshire following the incident on the 24 August 2005.
The company pleaded 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 at work of an employee. They were fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £6.963.25 costs.
The court heard that the incident happened when a 1.1 ton container of dye slid off the front of the forks of a forklift truck crushing employee Mark Kiveal. The accident happened at the company's premises on the Manway Business Park, Canal Road, Timperley, Cheshire. Two containers had successfully been emptied before the third slipped causing the incident.
Health and Safety Executive inspector Richard Clarke said:
"This was a tragic accident that could have been prevented had a safe system of work been in place. The container had a specialist mechanism for emptying it, but an improvised method was used when the incident happened.
"Two containers had successfully been opened and an attempt to unload the third was taking place when it slid off the front forks of the truck and tragically crushed Mr Kiveal.
"Employers have a responsibility to ensure that the right equipment is used for the job and to ensure that loads are safely secured. That wasn't the case in this incident, which sadly led to the loss of a man's life."
Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc, says:
It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all employees.
Regional reporters should call the appropriate Regional News Network press office.
Issued on behalf of HSE by COI News and PR North West.
Regional reporters should call the appropriate Regional News Network press office who act as HSE's Press Office throughout Great Britain.
Social media
Javascript is required to use HSE website social media functionality.
Follow HSE on Twitter:
Follow @H_S_E