A company was hit by a £160,000 fine due to a member of staff losing both legs whilst working on-site in Warrington.
Andrew McAuley, Runcorn, whilst working for William Stobart & Son Limited, was picking orders at the firm’s warehouse in Appleton Thorn on the 20th of June 2022.
Andrew, 64, was working near a forklift truck (FLT) which being used to lift pallets of slate tiles onto a nearby truck. The forklift was lifting two pallets which were stacked on top of each other.
The top pallet was not fastened to the one below it, which resulted in both pallets becoming separated from the forks when the driver manoeuvred the vehicle. At this point the top pallet struck Mr. McAuley’s legs, crushing them as a result.
Following the accident, Mr. McAuley needed to have both legs amputated below the knee. This has left him wheelchair bound and unable to drive or climb stairs, which in turn has led to large-scale adaptations being made at home for accessibility.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that William Stobart & Son Limited had failed to ensure segregation between vehicles and pedestrians in this part of the warehouse, as well as securing loads in a safe manner where reasonably practicable.
William Stobart & Son Limited of Runcorn, Cheshire, pleaded guilty to breaching regulation 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
A £160,000 fine was issued and they were ordered to pay £4,478 costs at a Warrington Magistrates Court hearing on 30 July 2024.
HSE Inspector Lorna Sherlock said:
“Mr. McAuley has been left with devastating and life changing injuries.
“The company failed to implement a safe system of work for loading and unloading activities, thereby exposing employees, and others, to the risk of being struck by loads or workplace vehicles.
“This case illustrates the consequences of failing to segregate vehicles and pedestrians, and to properly secure loads.
“This injury could easily have been prevented. Employers should make sure they assess work activities sufficiently and apply effective control measures to minimise the risk from workplace transport.”
Further reading
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