Surya Rice Ltd, trading as Surya Foods, has been fined GBP9,000 (USD14,662) after an employee broke his leg when he was struck by a forklift at the food processing company's Harwich factory in July 2010.

Colchester Magistrates Court heard that Jan Kaminski, a packer and machine operator, was working in the rice packing area when he was struck from behind by a forklift carrying a full pallet of boxed rice flour.

Kaminski, 49, of Orwell Road, Harwich, suffered a fracture to his right leg and extensive and severe bruising to his left leg and knee.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)'s investigation found that the movement of flour on pallets in the packing area was "inherently unsafe" as it involved the "unnecessary use of a forklift in a heavily congested work area", which limited the driver's vision. The area did not have adequately segregated routes separating pedestrians and vehicles.

Surya Rice Ltd admitted breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. In addition to the fine, the company was also ordered to pay GBP3,214 (USD5,326) in costs.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Toni Drury said the incident "could and should have been prevented". "Employers must ensure that the interaction between moving vehicles and pedestrians in the workplace is managed properly. If workplaces are correctly designed, then the chances of someone being injured like this are greatly reduced.

"There is plenty of free advice and guidance available from HSE to help businesses comply with the law and keep people safe. HSE will not hesitate to take action against companies failing to comply with the law."