Whiterose Scaffolding has been fined over an injured employee.

Whiterose Scaffolding has been fined GBP54,270 (USD70,000) for health and safety breaches which led to life-changing injuries for an employee.

A male worker for the Leeds-based scaffolding company sustained life-changing injuries, chronic pain and mobility issues after a forklift truck he was using overturned and crushed him for some time.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the company had failed to provide training to its employees on the safe operations of forklifts, which should have included the importance of wearing seat belts.

The company also failed to provide adequate supervision and monitoring of the forklift truck operators to ensure they were only operated by trained drivers and that safe driving techniques were followed.

Following the hearing, HSE inspector Andrea Jones said: "The employee’s injuries were life-changing and could have been fatal. The impact has been devastating on him and his family.

"Other employees were put at risk as a result of the company allowing forklift trucks to be used without the appropriate training and monitoring of drivers.

"Those in control of work have a responsibility to devise safe methods of working and to provide the necessary information, instruction and training to their workers in the safe system of working."

The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Besides the fine, it was also ordered to pay costs.