Fall from Height Lands WD Cormack in Court

A Thurso-based haulier has been fined £8,000 after one of its drivers fell from a trailer and sustained serious injuries.

Perth Sheriff Court heard how, on 9 February 2016, the employee of WD Cormack & Sons in Castletown, was securing a load of grain bags in a curtain-sided trailer at Thormean Granary in Milnathort, when he fell 2.88m from his vehicle to the ground.

The court heard how he suffered a fractured skull and broke his pelvis, three ribs and a wrist in the fall.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) identified that there was a failure to make a suitable and sufficient risk assessment and a failure to provide and maintain a safe system of work.

WD Cormack & Sons, which holds a standard national licence for 12 lorries and 22 trailers, pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act and was fined £8,000.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Norman Schouten said: “This incident could have been avoided by implementing effective measures to control work at height on trailers.

“Load securing systems, which allow drivers to secure loads from the ground, can be easily fitted to curtain-siders.

“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standard.”