Warning After Road Worker Injured

11/09/2007

The Health and Safety Executive is warning road marking firms to be vigilant after a worker suffered serious injuries.

Graham Yule was painting Keep Clear lines in an ambulance bay in Goldhawk Road, Hammersmith and Fulham, in August 2005 when the accident occurred.

No cones or signs had been put out to warn oncoming traffic that people were working in the road, and Mr Yule, 58, of Camberley, was hit by a taxi that was undertaking a van.

He suffered injuries to his face which needed reconstructive surgery, and now cannot use his left arm.

Stephen Jordan, trading as Central Linemarkings of Aldershot, Hants, was fined £5,000 and ordered to pay £10,000 costs at City of London Magistrates' Court after pleading guilty to breaching health and safety rules.

HSE inspector Lisa Chappell said: "This unfortunate accident shows how important it is for road contractors to provide appropriate instructions, training and supervision to safeguard their workers."

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Nicola Meese, an Associate at law firm Irwin Mitchell specialises in road traffic accidents. She commented: "This case highlights the dangers that face anyone working on the roads and the need for drivers to be particularly vigilant when driving through areas where road work is being carried out."