Court issues £50,000 fine for leg injury

The HSE has warned companies to separate their transport operations from where pedestrians will pass after a worker suffered a broken leg.

Leeds Magistrates’ Court heard how Colin Smith, a worker at Braegate Produce in Tadcaster, was walking across the company yard when he was struck by boxes loaded on the tines of a telehandler. The impact fractured his left leg.

An HSE investigation found the company had insufficient measures in place to prevent people being struck by a vehicle. A protected walkway was provided to only two sides of the yard, while the large number of boxes stored in the area meant there was inadequate room for pedestrians.

The company pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety regulations and was fined £50,000 and £962 costs.

• Why not register for our Compliance Bulletin to receive the latest legal and fleet management advice fortnightly? Sign up free now