Worker seeks compensation after suffering personal injury in a work accident
A firm worker, who has sustained serious personal injury in a work accident, is now seeking a compensation claim for his sufferings.
The man was employed in a portable toilet hire firm and got his injuries when he was standing in the yard area of the firm. He was struck by a reversing lift truck at the company depot in Stevenage, Hertfordshire.
The incident happened in June 2008 which caused him to suffer multiple fractures to his right foot.
An investigation conducted by the Health and Safety Executive found that the poor design and segregation of the depot’s yard obstruct the view of drivers and they failed to see the worker, standing in the yard area.
A HSE Inspector said: "This incident could and should have been prevented. Workplace transport is a priority area for health and safety and workers being hit by reversing vehicles is a well-known danger."
He also stressed that firms must ensure the interaction between moving vehicles and pedestrians in the workplace is managed properly.
The company admitted liability for the work accident and was ordered to pay a £7,000 fine and £3,198 in prosecution costs at Stevenage Magistrates' Court.
Updated on 08/07/2010