Beware of all moving vehicles, assess and control the risks

Unfortunately, I seem to report too frequently on accidents with forklift trucks, normally with a person being hit by the truck. However, forklift trucks can go anywhere and this makes segregation more difficult.

Which is why the accident reported in my earlier blog makes me want to shout. This was a vehicle which is apparently similar to a forklift truck, but ran along a fixed track. ie it's dead easy to spot where the danger points may be. The company had failed to carry out any assessment of the risks posed and put into place appropriate control measures. As a result, an agency worker was crushed between the vehicle and a fixed water tank. He had to have a leg amputated.

3 points to make:

• All moving vehicles pose a substantial risk
• Agency workers may not be aware of these risks as full-time employees
• The fine of £28,000 (inc. costs) was far too low for such a life-changing injury