Council worker injury

A council has been fined after a dumper truck driver was injured when his vehicle overturned and landed on top of him.

Simon Nicoll suffered serious injuries to his leg after his truck rolled over while carrying out landscaping work in Hollywood Park, Stockport, in February 2006.

Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council was fined £6,000 and ordered to pay £3,343.38 costs at Trafford Magistrates' Court after pleading guilty to a charge under health and safety legislation.

HSE inspector Helen Fuller said: "Workplace transport is a key concern for HSE, with dumper trucks involved in around a third of all construction transport accidents.

"This accident might have had a tragic outcome and could have been avoided by proper training and risk assessment.

"Anyone involved with workplace transport should be aware of the operational limitations associated with the use of plant and should not underestimate the risks of improper equipment use.

"Employers have a duty of care to ensure that drivers are suitably trained; risks are assessed when planning work; and that adequate safety measures are in place.

"This prosecution should serve as a salutary lesson to those concerned with the operation of site dumpers and other workplace transport and act as a warning to prevent further accidents."