The UK's largest port operator has been ordered to pay almost £341,000 following the death of a cargo worker who was struck by a reversing vehicle. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has warned employers in all industries that they must ensure interaction between vehicles and pedestrians is properly assessed and adequate measures are put in place to reduce potential risk.
The warning comes after Associated British Ports (ABP) of Holborn, London, pleaded guilty to not ensuring to a reasonable level, the safety of all employees. On 30 March 2007, 60-year old Brian Vince was working as a ramp man servicing a ro-ro at the Port of Ipswich when he was struck by a reversing trailer. He died at the scene.
"The company had identified the risks to the ramp man, yet failed to ensure the provision and implementation of a safe system of work for the ro-ro operation. Workplace transport is not specific to the docks industry and many other industries can learn lessons from this tragic incident. Employers in all industries must ensure that the interaction between moving vehicles and pedestrians in the workplace is managed properly," says Kaitav Patel, HSE inspector.
ABP was fined £226,000 and ordered to pay costs of just under £75,000 at Ipswich Magistrates Court on 21 September.
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