Worker hit by 400kg bale from forklift truck

A Preston worker was struck by 400kg bale falling from a forklift truck.

The circumstances were

• The metre-high cube of recycled plastic was being moved at Preston Plastics Ltd's plant on 18 August 2011.
• The firm had failed to plan the lifting operations properly so that the work could be carried out safely.
• The driver of the forklift lifted up two bales from a stack in the warehouse by clamping hold of the bottom bale, with the other one resting on top.
• A worker was sweeping up bits of plastic nearby.
• As the driver moved the bales, the top one toppled from the forklift and struck the worker.
• He was thrown to the floor as it hit his hands and head, and suffered a fracture to his spine.

Preston Plastics Ltd, was fined  £14,533 (inc. costs) on 28 August 2013.