Why is it Important to Ensure You and Your Business Are Fully Protected?
A UK based business was recently fined £400,000 and ordered to pay costs of £19,841.99 after an employee was killed loading and unloading a trailer.
The incident took place while an employee was delivering goods to another business based near Salisbury.
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The worker climbed onto the bed of the trailer to sling the load and attach it to the vehicle-mounted crane.
While moving the load using the crane’s remote control, he was struck by the crane and fell from the vehicle onto the ground. He subsequently died from the injuries sustained. An investigation by the HSE found that the company had failed to properly assess the risk of falls associated with working from height.
Additionally, the company had not provided employees with adequate training on the safe operation of the vehicle’s remote crane controls.
In October of this year the company pleaded guilty to breaching section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
What Could Have Been Done?
Such a tragic incident serves as a cautionary case about the vital importance of following HSE regulations. Regrettably, falls from vehicles can be overlooked by employers when assessing working-at-height risks. Employers can fulfil their obligations by conducting thorough risk assessments for all work types. Additionally, employers should implement comprehensive training to ensure workers are competent in machinery use, including remote-controlled devices.
Business owners should not only look to protect their employees and assets but also their bottom line and reputation, too, all of which, in this instance, have suffered as a result of this tragedy.
What Can You Do?
Working with an impartial and independent insurance broker is one of the best ways to ensure that your business and everything important to it remain protected. Get in touch with our team today for a full & free health-check of your insurance arrangements.
