DUMPER TRUCK PROSECUTION

Homebuilder and contractor fined after dumper overturns
  

Homebuilder Bellway Homes and sub-contractor FG Construction (Nottingham) Ltd have been ordered to pay at total of almost £50k in fines and costs after a dumper driver suffered a fractured hip when he jumped from a dumper truck as it overturned into an excavation.

The HSE investigating Inspector said: “The driver was forced over the edge of an unprotected excavation after Bellway Homes Ltd failed to segregate the traffic route from pedestrians crossing the site.”

Comment: Workplace transport is a key area of concern for HSE and represents a particularly significant risk on homebuild projects where dumpers are involved in some 15% of mobile plant related deaths whilst telehandlers and excavators account for 45% and 40% respectively. Prevention has to be based upon:

  • Safe Site: traffic management plan; defined routes; one way systems; separation from pedestrians; reversing or slewing controlled and use of hi-viz clothing;
  • Safe Vehicles: selection of suitable plant; ROP and seat belts; maintenance of key controls / warnings devices and visibility and;
  • Safe Driver: certification; induction and driver performance.

This article was posted on 18th September 2008 in ALL LATEST NEWS, PROSECUTIONS, dumper.
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