Firm Fined £30,000 Over Forklift Death

A forklift truck used to perform an operation usually undertaken by an overhead crane resulted in the death of an employee at a Midlands firm in July 2001, the HSE has told Droitwich Magistrates Court. United Engineering Forgings Ltd of Bromsgrove has been fined over £30,000 as a result.

Calvin Hughes, aged 26, was in the area when a forklift truck with a rope tied to one arm was used instead of a crane, as there was insufficient space for the crane to maneuver. Mr Hughes was struck on the head by the right hand bar of the forklift and died from his injuries.

The company was found guilty of:

- failing to meet the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work, etc Act 1974
- failing to ensure provision and maintenance of plant and systems at work
- failing to thoroughly examine the fleet of forklift trucks
- failing to check the lifting sling.

This document is for general guidance and research purposes only, and does not purport to give professional advice. Please check the date at the top of the article; the Workplace Law Network retains historic articles for general research.