A potato processing company has been sentenced after a worker was struck by a telehandler load.
What happened?
Mr Smith was walking across the middle yard when he was struck by three potato boxes that were loaded onto the tines of a telehandler that was being operated by another employee. He was knocked to the ground and suffered a fracture to his leg.
What did the HSE find?
The HSE’s investigation found that the company had insufficient measures in place to stop people being struck by a vehicle. The company failed to ensure forklift truck drivers and telehandler operators were clear on what the site rules were for the transportation of potato boxes.
HSE Inspector Kate Dixon commented; “Companies need to organise transport operations to reduce the risk it poses to pedestrians. This should include consideration of the site, driver and vehicles. There are some quick, easy and inexpensive steps that can be implemented.
What was the outcome in court?
Braegate Produce Ltd of Mill Hill, Breagate Lane, Colton, Tadcaster pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Workplace (Health and Safety Welfare) Regulations 1992. The company was fined £50,000 and ordered to pay costs of £962.
What the law says
The law says you must organise your site so that you segregate pedestrians and telescopic handlers (telehandlers). Those telehandlers used must be carefully selected, maintained and operated by a trained driver. You must organise a construction site so that vehicles and pedestrians can move around safely.
Telehandler hazards
Most fatal and serious injuries involving telehandlers occur when the vehicle is moving and strikes a pedestrian particularly while reversing or when the vehicle is lifting and overturns trapping the operator or person nearby. Both of these hazards should be identified within a risk assessment and suitable control measures put in place.
Further advice
Further advice available from the HSE can be found here.
Summary
- A safe workplace for all vehicle operations must be established by separating pedestrians and vehicles.
- It is important to select the right vehicle for the job and site. Select telehandlers with the best view around them from the driver position.
- Telehandlers normally require prepared, flat and graded surfaces to operate safely.
- Overloading can be prevented by selecting the correct vehicle.
- Drivers should be trained, competent and authorized to operate the telehandler.
- Pedestrians should be instructed in safe pedestrian routes on site and the procedure for making drivers aware of their presence.