Forklift Accident Leaves Worker With Broken Leg

Tyre maker Pirelli has been handed a fine of £9,000 after admitting a breach of health and safety laws when a forklift truck hit a worker at the firm's Carlisle factory, breaking his leg.

Contractor Alan Miller, 62, was struck from behind by a pallet being moved on a forklift truck as he walked through a curing department area at the Dalston Road plant, North Cumbria Magistrates' Court in Carlisle heard.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) officials brought a prosecution against the company for failing to properly manage the risks to pedestrians in the area, including failing to inform contractors of the precautions required to ensure their safety.

The court was told that the vision of forklift drivers' was frequently obscured as loads had to be lowered to avoid hitting overhead obstructions. Pirelli had already identified the area should be a pedestrian-free zone in a previous risk assessment.

Pirelli Tyres Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. As well as being fined £9,000, the firm was also ordered to pay £4,282 towards the cost of the prosecution.

Copyright © Press Association 2010

David Urpeth at Law firm Irwin Mitchell said: “This work accident could and should have been avoided. The company had already identified the risks but failed to take action. This simply should not happen. All too often I have to help workers pursue their compensation claim following an accident at work in circumstances that could and should have been avoided.”

If you or a loved one has been injured in a forklift truck accident, our expert workplace accident claims team could help you to secure compensation. See our Forklift Truck Accident Claims page for more information.