An investigation conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety, has determined that William Stobart & Son Limited could have prevented a worker from losing both legs in a workplace accident. Andrew McAuley, a 64-year-old employee, was picking orders at the company’s warehouse when the incident occurred. A nearby forklift truck was carrying two stacked pallets of slate tiles that were not secured to one another. When the forklift driver turned the vehicle, the pallets detached, striking Mr. McAuley and crushing his legs. The worker’s legs had to be amputated below the knee.
During its investigation, the HSE found that the facility was not designed to separate vehicles and pedestrians. William Stobart & Son Limited eventually pleaded guilty to breaching regulation 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. For these violations, the company was fined £160,000 and ordered to pay £4,478 costs.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, HSE Inspector Lorna Sherlock said, “The company failed to implement a safe system of work for loading and unloading activities, thereby exposing employees, and others, to the risk of being struck by loads or workplace vehicles. This case illustrates the consequences of failing to segregate vehicles and pedestrians, and to properly secure loads.”
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