GBP11,000 fine for crushing injury

A printing firm in Brentford, which was fined GBP11,000 (USD17,000) after a worker was injured by a forklift, says it has since tightened up safety measures.

According to a report on Getwestlondon.co.uk, Stephen Rodwell was crushed against his vehicle by a forklift while working at Heidelberg Graphic Equipment in High Street, Brentford on December 21, 2012.

The company admitted breaching a general duty to the self-employed courier driver, and it was fined and ordered to pay an additional GBP7,000 (USD11,000) in costs. At the hearing at Feltham Magistrates' Court, two counts of contravening a health and safety regulation were withdrawn.

The company, which said Rodwell's injuries were not serious, insisted it had learned from the incident.

The report quotes managing director Gerard Heanue saying health and safety are a top priority and "(we) fully regret the injuries caused to Mr Rodwell".

"We go to great lengths to ensure that we meet our responsibilities and this unfortunate incident highlighted to us an area where we could improve our procedures as they relate to control of visiting delivery and collection drivers.

"We reviewed the incident and implemented a new policy and corresponding procedures to ensure that there is no recurrence. We are pleased that Mr Rodwell's injuries were not serious and that he made a full and speedy recovery."

Rodwell was working as a self-employed courier driver and his vehicle was being loaded at the premises when the incident occurred.