Incorrect procedure for standing on a forklift

The Health and Safety Executive is taking the Plymouth City Council to court after an employee was crushed to death by a forklift in February last year.

The Health and Safety Executive is prosecuting the council for five breaches of health and safety regulations including failing to ensure the safety of employees and failing to provide proper training.

Rory Littley, 22, was killed when caught between a forklift and the back of a lorry. Littley had been standing on the forklift and lifted off the ground so he could untie wheelie bins stored on the back of the lorry.

The forklift lurched forward and he was crushed between the vehicles. A coroner's inquest returned a finding of death by misadventure.

David Ellison, chief executive of Fork Lift Truck Association, says serious accidents like this happen regularly.

"The lifting of personnel balanced on forks, or on a pallet, is a common cause of serious accidents. Individuals can easily fall and they are offered no protection if there is an incident," he explains.

The FLTA has a range of informational sheets on its website to assist organisations with the correct procedures for lifting people using a forklift.

"In certain circumstances, work platforms can be used to lift people - and for immediate advice on this subject FLTA Fact Sheet 18 on our website -
www.fork-truck.org.uk - can be consulted," says Ellison.

Plymouth City Council has entered no plea to the five charges and will stand trial on 2 October.