Machine Manufacturing Company Fined After Fingers Crushed During Forklift Lifting

Brief Summary

A machine manufacturing employer was fined £170,000 after an employee suffered serious finger injuries during a lifting operation involving a forklift truck. The HSE investigation found the lifting operation had not been properly planned or carried out safely, and the employer pleaded guilty to a breach of lifting regulations.

What Was The Incident?

On 17 January 2024, a machine tool fitter was working at a manufacturing site when his right hand became trapped beneath the foot of a three tonne machine during a lifting operation using a forklift truck. The worker’s hand was positioned underneath the machine when an unintended action caused the forklift forks to drop to the floor. The machine was then lifted to free his hand. Following medical treatment, two damaged fingers were amputated.

What Was The Outcome?

The employer pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 8(1) of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998. It was fined £170,000, ordered to pay full prosecution costs of £7,999, and a victim surcharge of £2,000 was imposed.

Key Points To Consider

Plan lifting operations to control risk. Ensure lifting operations are properly planned so foreseeable unintended actions are prevented and safe sequences are defined before work starts.

Avoid working under suspended loads where possible. If people must be near or under suspended loads, minimise the risk by establishing safe systems of work rather than relying on ad hoc arrangements.

Secure loads and prevent uncontrolled movement. Loads must be properly secured so the lifting equipment and machine do not move unexpectedly during the operation.

Use safe systems of work for release and recovery. Put clear procedures in place for how the work will be carried out and how people will be protected if something does not go to plan.

Expect enforcement where planning is lacking. This case shows that a lack of proper planning for lifting operations can lead to prosecution, fines, and costs even where the operation involved routine site equipment.

HSE Prosecution Link