Electrical Company Fined After Worker Crushed By Unsecured Load

Brief Summary

A worker was crushed during a routine loading operation when a heavy switchboard fell from a forklift that had not been fitted with a secure lift arrangement and the task was not planned by a competent person. The employer pleaded guilty to a safety offence and was fined, underlining the need for documented lift planning, suitable equipment and safe systems of work for lifting operations.

What Was The Incident?

While loading heavy switchboard equipment onto a flatbed lorry the injured worker acted as a spotter beside a forklift. The load weighed 231kg, was not secured to the forklift and it fell onto him. He suffered brain and spine injuries, required lifesaving surgery and can no longer care for himself or communicate. The investigation found no risk assessment or lift plan, no competent person had planned the lift, employees had not been given information or instruction about the operation and staff were expected to steady loads with their hands rather than using available safer lifting methods.

What Was The Outcome?

The employer pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, was fined £4,000,000 and ordered to pay £6,304 in costs on 16 October 2026.

Key Points To Consider

Plan lifts through a competent person. Review who is competent to plan lifting operations, record a risk assessment and a written lift plan that sets out hazards, controls, resources, procedures and supervisory responsibilities before work starts.

Use appropriate equipment and secure loads. Verify loads can be secured to the lifting appliance or use a suitable crane and lifting gear such as lifting eyes and certified slings; do not rely on people to steady loads or leave loads unsecured.

Set safe systems of work and brief staff. Provide clear written procedures, task specific briefings and supervision for routine lifting tasks, ensure staff know safe roles and exclusion zones and confirm training and information have been given.

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