Correct training must be given before operatives use equipment or employers could be fined

The Health & Safety Executive warns about ensuring correct training is given following a dumper truck accident - 7th January 2008

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned that operatives of equipment must be correctly trained and risks fully assessed before they commence work.

This warning comes after the HSE's successful prosecution of Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council after a dumper truck driver sustained injury at work when the truck he was driving overturned on top of him.

The court heard that in February 2006 whilst carrying out landscaping work in Hollywood Park, Stockport, the dumper truck driver suffered leg injuries whilst at work, after the truck he was using overturned.

Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council were fined £6,000 and ordered to pay £3,343.38 costs at Trafford Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to a charge under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 Section 2(1) that they failed to ensure the health and safety of an employee.

Helen Fuller a HSE Inspector said: "Workplace transport is a key concern for HSE, with dumper trucks involved in around a third of all construction transport accidents.

"This accident might have had a tragic outcome and could have been avoided by proper training and risk assessment.

"Anyone involved with workplace transport should be aware of the operational limitations associated with the use of plant and should not underestimate the risks of improper equipment use.

"Employers have a duty of care to ensure that drivers are suitably trained; risks are assessed when planning work; and that adequate safety measures are in place.

"This prosecution should serve as a salutary lesson to those concerned with the operation of site dumpers and other workplace transport and act as a warning to prevent further accidents."
 

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