Worker Severely Injured After Fall From Raised Fork Lift Bucket

Brief Summary

A contracted worker fell from a raised tipping bucket on a fork lift while dismantling pipework. The employer had no suitable arrangements to manage contractors, no safe system of work for accessing the area and no training or supervision for use of lifting equipment. The case shows the consequences when planning training supervision and contractor control are inadequate.

What Was The Incident?

The task was dismantling pipework inside an area that a scissor lift could not enter because it was too tall. A fork lift truck with a raised tipping bucket was used instead and the worker fell from the bucket to the concrete floor. The worker spent months in hospital and sustained life changing injuries including left side weakness and chronic back pain. The investigation found no suitable arrangements to manage contractors, no alternative safe system of work, no training for the worker or the labour only subcontractor in the use of the fork lift or scissor lift, no instruction to restrict access to that equipment and inadequate supervision on site. The employer had previously received advice and enforcement about contractor control and unsafe working at height.

What Was The Outcome?

The employer pleaded guilty to section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined £90,000 and ordered to pay costs of £27,241 on 7 July 2026.

Key Points To Consider

Contractor management and roles. Review how contractors are selected, briefed, supervised and managed on site. Confirm contracts and site rules allocate responsibility for planning risk assessment safe systems of work and supervision and keep records to show competence checks were carried out.

Equipment selection and work access. Verify that the chosen access equipment fits the work area and task. Where standard equipment cannot be used document why and record a safer alternative method or additional controls before work starts.

Training supervision and access control. Check training and certification for operators of lifting equipment and restrict use to trained people. Set and enforce rules on who may use or ride in attachments and maintain supervision and local checks during higher risk tasks.

HSE Prosecution Link