Worker Suffers Broken Ribs In Incident

Businesses have been urged by a lawyer at Irwin Mitchell to ensure they have the necessary measures in place to manage the movement of vehicles on-site.

Workplace injury lawyer David Urpeth made the comment after details emerged of how a 60-year-old worker at recycling firm Smurfit Kappa suffered broken ribs after being forced onto a conveyor belt at a warehouse in Preston.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has revealed that the employee was pushing cardboard onto the machinery when he was forced onto it by a reversing van.

Smurfit Kappa was fined £5,000 over the incident, with the HSE suggesting that barriers and markings should have been used to ensure pedestrians were safe from moving vehicles.

Discussing the case, accident at work claims expert David Urpeth said: “Employees deserve to know that their welfare is being taken seriously when it comes to all kinds of work.

“This incident highlights how simple preventative measures, including markings and barriers, can make a significant difference to the safety of workers.

“I hope that lessons are learnt from the incident and all companies which are involved in regular work with vehicles make a major effort to reduce the potential risks.”

If you or a loved one has suffered due to an accident at work, our personal injury claims team could help you to secure the compensation you deserve. Visit our Accident & Injury At Work Claims page for more information.