Untrained forklift driver killed labourer

A construction firm and its director have been prosecuted by the HSE for their part in the accidental death of a labourer, Kevin Moyle, in August 2000.

Julian Austin, a director of the firm, instructed an untrained and untested employee to drive a truck. The firm pleaded guilty to a breach of the Health and Safety at Work Act, and was fined £40,000 with £8,799 costs. Mr Austin was fined £20,000 after pleading guilty to breaching the same Act, because he instructed an untrained employee to drive the truck.

HSE investigating inspector, Mike Sarson, said: "Mr Moyle's death highlights the need for employers to use only trained and licensed forklift truck drivers. Any employer, director or manager that allows a person who is untrained to drive workplace machinery increases the risk of an accident, which could result in injury or death."

The HSE has a free guide for employers – 'Managing vehicle safety in the workplace'. The guide warns employers that they need to carry out a risk assessment to ensure the safety and welfare of their workers, and explains in detail what this typically involves.
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