
Firm fined after forklift accident
A Chesterfield-based company has been fined after a worker was injured while unloading a lorry with a forklift truck.
Andrew Baxter was using a forklift and a mobile ramp when the accident happened at Vesuvius UK Limited. According to a report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the vehicle ramp came loose, dropping Mr Baxter and his truck to the floor. He spent eight days in hospital recovering and was off work for nine months.
Chesterfield Magistrates' Court heard that there was no evidence that a risk assessment relating to loading and unloading at the site had been carried out.
HSE inspector Fiona Coffey said: "The company had a legal duty to ensure work equipment was safe to use and that employees were instructed in safe systems of work and supervised but it had failed to do so."
Vesuvius UK Limited, of 1 Midland Way, Central Park, Barlborough, Derbyshire, admitted breaching health and safety regulations. The firm was ordered to pay a fine of £24,000 along with costs of £4,815.
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