UK manufacturer of paper packaging, Multi Packaging Solutions UK Limited, has been fined GBP433,000 (USD592,432) after a worker suffered a severe skull fracture and permanent injuries when a 4.5T machine being moved by a forklift fell on him.

The worker, Matthew King, was working at the East Kilbride site on October 31, 2023 and was part of a team moving the machinery from a warehouse to a storage yard, according to the regulatory body, the Heath and Safety Executive (HSE).

“Workers had improvised a system involving lifting the machine with a forklift, placing skates underneath, and pulling it forward,” HSE continues.

“The machine had already slid off the forks on at least two occasions before the incident.

“At the time of the accident, Mr King was positioned underneath the suspended machine to secure a wheel on its underside when it slid from the forks and struck him on the head.”

The machine, which weighed approximately 4.5T and measured 1.56 by 4.15 metres, had no lifting or anchoring points.

As well as the skull fracture, King sustained bruising to his head and nerve damage to the left side of his face. He has been left with permanent double vision, loss of peripheral vision, facial palsy and hearing loss. 

He is unable to drive and has required multiple surgeries and ongoing mental health support.

“This incident was entirely preventable,” says HSE inspector, Ingrid Grueso. “The company failed to properly plan the lifting operation or implement a safe system of work.

“Employers must ensure that lifting operations are properly planned by a competent person and carried out safely. This is especially important for non-routine tasks involving heavy or awkward loads.”