An industrial equipment supplier has been fined £86,666 and ordered to pay costs of over £12,000 after a work-experience student was injured on their first ever day of work.
Stafford Crown Court heard how the youth was assisting in the delivery of a heavy electrical panel from the back of a lorry at the company’s premises in Newcastle-under-Lyme. The teenager was asked to steady the panel, which had been placed on to a wooden pallet on the floor. While he was trying to steady it, the panel fell and trapped him on top of the forks of the forklift truck that was being used to manoeuvre the panel. He suffered five compression fractures of his pelvis along with a head injury.
When the Health and Safety Executive investigated the incident they found that the company had failed to carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments, along with failing to provide adequate training, supervision and communication.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Steve Shaw said: “This case highlights the need for companies to have in place safe systems of work for all deliveries at their premises. Had such a system been in place, this teenager starting his working career need not have suffered the painful injuries he endured and this company would not have faced the judgement of the courts.”
Accidents do happen, but incidents like this can be avoided if suitable risk assessments have been carried out and appropriate training, supervision and communication are implemented. Employers have a responsibility to protect all of the workers within their employment; that includes anyone who works from them – from the Managing Director to the work-experience student; everyone has the right to work in a safe environment.
If you or someone you love has been injured at work it is likely that you will be eligible to make a claim for compensation. Our solicitors have a great deal of experience in handling cases such as these, and as such are best-placed to discuss your case with you and see how much you could claim. Contact us today for a free, no obligations discussion about your case, and let us see how we can help you get the compensation that you deserve.