Forklift driver fined for hitting colleague

Prosecutions and Claims |
09.04.2008

A fork-lift truck driver has been fined after hitting and seriously injuring a colleague.

The HSE prosecuted Gerald David Wyatt, a forklift driver working at Eardisley Sawmills in Herefordshire, following the accident on 17 January 2007.

Worcester Crown Court heard that the forks of Wyatt's rough-terrain truck were loaded with a stack of 12 modular sheds. As he moved forwards, the load obscured his view and he hit a fellow employee.

The employee suffered a fractured pelvis, cuts and bruises.

Wyatt admitted failing to take reasonable care for the health and safety of other persons contrary to Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

On 7 April he was fined £1750.

HSE investigating inspector Anne Robinson said, "Mr Wyatt's employer had employed an in-house forklift truck trainer and Mr Wyatt had received regular refresher training and re-testing.

"In this case his forward visibility was significantly obscured by the load and he could not see his colleague. The injuries inflicted could have been significantly worse, or even fatal. Operators of lift trucks must ensure that they operate them in accordance with the training they have been given to prevent such tragedies."