Worker Suffered Head Injuries In Incident

A Welsh automotive manufacturer has been fined £400,000 following a work accident in which a worker suffered fatal head injuries after being hit by a forklift truck.

Calsonic Kansei UK Ltd of Llanelli pleaded guilty to health and safety breaches in relation to the death of 35-year-old Darren Small, who was struck by the vehicle on a factory floor after giving the driver instructions in March 2008.

Mr Small died in hospital three days after the industrial accident, which was tragically the same day as he was due to have taken voluntary redundancy.

The Health and Safety Executive has stated that measures should have been in place on-site to ensure all contractors and employees were aware of the risks related to forklift truck operation.

David Urpeth, national head of workplace injuries at Irwin Mitchell, said: “This was a tragic fatal accident, one that could nad should have been avoided. We provide advice and support to many families who have lost loved ones in incidents like this.

“All companies need to be aware of their responsibilities in terms of setting safety standards and then ensuring they are communicated fully to members of staff throughout their organisations.

“This particular case highlights just how important it is for workers to be aware of the risks that can arise in work involving vehicles.

“I hope that this terrible accident and the fine handed down in relation to it demonstrate just why firms need to make health and safety a workplace priority.”

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.