A fork lift truck driver working at Eardisley Sawmills, Herefordshire has been fined £1,750 at Worcester Crown Court following serious injuries caused to a colleague.
The driver was prosecuted by the Health & Safety Executive for failing to take reasonable care for the health and safety of other persons.
The court heard that on January 17, 2007 the driver was in charge of a rough-terrain forklift truck loaded with a stack of 12 modular sheds.
As he moved forwards the load significantly obscured his vision and a colleague was struck by the load, causing a fractured pelvis, cuts and bruises.
“In this case his forward visibility was significantly obscured by the load and he could not see his colleague,” said HSE investigating inspector Anne Robinson.
“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.”
Ms Robinson said the sawmill had employed an in-house forklift trainer, and the driver had received regular refresher training and retesting.
