Nottinghamshire County Council has been fined £1 million and ordered to pay costs of over £10,000 after a disabled man was struck and injured by a tractor engaged in grounds maintenance.
Nottingham Crown Court heard how the council workers were clearing branches and other debris and using a tractor-mounted grab attachment to transport the branches to a burning site. While they were engaged in this activity a guided walk for disabled people was taking place in the same area of the park. The driver of the tractor was unable to see the 71-year-old disabled gentleman in front of him due to the branches he was transporting, and collided with him, causing serious bruising and injuries to his arms and legs.
When the Health and Safety Executive investigated the incident they found that the council had failed to implement a safe system of work for the activity and had failed to segregate moving vehicles from members of the public.
Speaking after the hearing HSE Inspector Martin Giles said: “The failure to properly plan this work and put in place straight forward control measures not only put the gentleman at risk but also endangered other members of the public walking with him. Duty holders have the responsibility to assess the work they do in public areas to lower the risk of harm and injury, particularly when they introduce new plant or equipment.”
If you or someone you care for has been injured while going about their daily business, and it was no fault of their own, you could well be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Everyone has the right to feel safe while in a public place, and those who manage public areas have a responsibility to do so in a safe and well-managed manner so that incidents and accidents can be avoided both for the general public, and those responsible for the maintenance. Our solicitors have a great deal of experience in handling cases just like this one, and will swiftly be able to listen to your case and establish whether ort not you have a claim, and if so, how much that claim could be worth. It is free to contact us and you are under no obligation to continue with a case if you chose not to. Contact us today to see how we can help you get the payout you deserve.