Man's work accident injury 'could have been forseen'

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has spoken out following the prosecution of a company over a man's work accident, saying that the incident could have been forseen.

Orwell Trucks, trading as Orwell Truck and Van, admitted at Ipswich Magistrates Court that it had breached Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

The firm, of Martlesham, was instructed to pay costs totalling £2,726 and fined £4,500.

During the work accident, technician Trevor Muffett was checking a vehicle when a metal prop that was supporting the cab came loose trapping him under the lorry.

As a result of the accident injuries he suffered, he had to be off work for six weeks.

HSE inspector Ivan Brooke said: "Trevor Muffett’s injury could have been foreseen and prevented. And it all could have been much worse: there are cases of people having been killed by falling vehicle cabs."

This month, Tufnells Parcels Express Ltd was also fined after an employee was harmed by a reversing lorry in an incident at the firm's Essex depot.

Published by Hannah Carr