HSE calls for forklift operators to assess danger

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says companies operating forklift trucks must use risk assessments to evaluate danger, after a Berwick-based firm was fined £20,000 when a driver was paralysed in an incident.

Privately owned family business Silvery Tweed Cereals was also ordered to pay more than £5,000 in costs after it pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations.

In June 2006, 29-year-old Steven Rogers was pinned to the ground when a downgrade bin fell from the forks of his forklift as he attempted to empty it. He was left permanently paralysed.

Berwick-upon-Tweed Magistrate's Court was told Silvery Tweed Cereals had neither ensured the load was adequately secured nor made a suitable risk assessment. Also, it did not ensure that all its operators received adequate forklift truck training.

HSE inspector Martin Baillie says: "Forklift trucks were responsible for just under 2,000 reportable incidents last year, including seven deaths. They are a danger to their operators and to other people in the vicinity if not operated with great care.

"Employers must ensure they assess the risks involved in any use of these vehicles and take appropriate steps to counter those risks. "They must also provide adequate health and safety training for any employees operating forklift trucks." Silvery Tweed Cereals was not willing to comment.