Biggleswade company fined more than £100K after worker seriously injured
Wednesday, 19 May 2021
A company based in Biggleswade has been fined over £100K after one of their warehouse workers was seriously injured.
Luton Magistrates' Court heard how, on 22 March 2018, a significant amount of furniture fell on the worker from a loaded, moving, forklift truck at Tramo (UK) Ltd. of Unit 16, Albone Way in Biggleswade.
Our investigation identified that the employer failed to put adequate control measures in place to prevent the incident from occurring. One of the main issues was the lack of segregation between pedestrians and vehicles on site. Control measures and segregated operating zones are essential when it comes to keeping workers safe. All walkways and areas where vehicles are in operation should be clearly marked and supported by a robust safe system of work.
In addition, we found that the company had also failed to provide workers with adequate health and safety training.
Tramo (UK) Ltd. pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and other associated health and safety regulations. It was fined £104,000 plus costs and ordered to pay a victim surcharge.
Councillor Ian Dalgarno, our Executive Members for Community Services, said:
Sadly, this incident was entirely foreseeable and could easily have been avoided if the company had implemented a suitable management system to segregate pedestrians and vehicles on site. The worker’s injuries sustained in this incident were serious and could easily have been fatal.
We would like to remind businesses of their responsibility to keep their employees safe at all times by carefully managing and controlling any risks. Businesses should also be aware that we will not hesitate to prosecute those who fall below the required health and safety standards.