22.12.2014
29-year-old Ian Aliski was driving the forklift just a few hours into his four-day contract at Recresco Ltd's glass recycling facility in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, when the tragic incident occurred.
Mr Aliski was moving materials to a storage shed when the truck became unstable on an uneven surface and overturned. He was not wearing a seatbelt, and there was no company policy stating that seatbelts should be worn.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive also found that forklift drivers often had to work in an area covered in waste materials, which interfered with the safe operation of the vehicles.
"Sadly it was entirely foreseeable that someone was at risk of being badly injured or killed," said HSE inspector Martin Paren.
"If the company had taken some simple measures to reduce the risks, such as using the all-terrain vehicles in use elsewhere on the site, then Ian’s tragic death could have been avoided."
Forklift Overturned On Uneven Surface In Tragic Accident
A recycling company has been hit with a £180k fine after a worker was killed by an overturning forklift truck on his first day at work.29-year-old Ian Aliski was driving the forklift just a few hours into his four-day contract at Recresco Ltd's glass recycling facility in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, when the tragic incident occurred.
Mr Aliski was moving materials to a storage shed when the truck became unstable on an uneven surface and overturned. He was not wearing a seatbelt, and there was no company policy stating that seatbelts should be worn.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive also found that forklift drivers often had to work in an area covered in waste materials, which interfered with the safe operation of the vehicles.
"Sadly it was entirely foreseeable that someone was at risk of being badly injured or killed," said HSE inspector Martin Paren.
"If the company had taken some simple measures to reduce the risks, such as using the all-terrain vehicles in use elsewhere on the site, then Ian’s tragic death could have been avoided."
If you or a loved one has been injured in a forklift truck accident, our expert workplace accident lawyers could help you make a No Win No Fee compensation claim. See our Forklift Truck Accident Claims page for more information.
Expert Opinion
All too often we see incidents where workers suffer serious and life-changing injuries due to workplace accidents involving forklift trucks. It is vital employees are provided with the necessary training to operate the machinery and companies need to ensure the latest operating instructions are being followed by members of staff. <br/> <br/>“We hope this successful prosecution acts as a reminder to businesses of the need to take their responsibility for the safety of workers seriously.” Stephen Nye - Partner
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