RSMA News
Man is crushed to death by Fork Lift - 10/02/2009
HSE warn of dangers of using fork lift trucks after man is crushed to death
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned of the danger of using forklift trucks after a man died when a container of dye crushed him when he was assisting with an unloading operation. The prosecution of Townley Dyestuffs Ltd of High Street, Tarporley, Cheshire following the incident on the 24 August 2005 resulted in a fine of £10.000 and ordered to pay £6.932.25 in costs.
The court heard that the incident happened when a 1.1 ton container of dye slid off the front of the forks of a forklift truck crushing employee Mark Kiveal. The accident happened at the company’s premises. Two containers had successfully been emptied before the third slipped causing the incident.
Health and Safety Executive inspector Richard Clarke said:
"This was a tragic accident that could have been prevented had a safe system of work been in place. The container had a specialist mechanism for emptying it, but an improvised method was used when the incident happened.
"Two containers had successfully been opened and an attempt to unload the third was taking place when it slid off the front forks of the truck and tragically crushed Mr Kiveal.
"Employers have a responsibility to ensure that the right equipment is used for the job and to ensure that loads are safely secured. That wasn’t the case in this incident, which sadly led to the loss of a man’s life."
Limit your exposure and ensure your operatives have the necessary training and support to prevent such horrific incidents happening in your work place. Contact RSMA or click here for further information on Fork Lift Truck Training Courses.
