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Telehandler driven by untrained driver overturns lifting trusses
Meldrum Construction Services Ltd has been ordered to pay almost £7k in fines and prosecution costs after a workman was seriously injured when a telehandler overturned on a construction site in Northumberland.
The court heard that the injured operator was lifting roof trusses onto the roof of the development. The machine fell onto its side throwing the driver against the window and controls.
The driver was not trained to use the machine and was not wearing a seat belt when the incident happened. He suffered multiple fractures to his right arm, leaving him with limited mobility in his shoulder. He still requires medical treatment and is unable to return to his job.
HSE Construction Inspector John McGill, said: ”Mr Lincoln has suffered long term injuries as a result of this serious incident. Meldrum Construction Services Ltd failed to ensure that Mr Lincoln had the necessary training to use the machine and had not reviewed its processes to ensure that unauthorised personnel did not have access to specialist machinery on site.”
“While the company had produced a risk assessment and a system of work for lifting the roof trusses, neither were sufficient, and had failed to identify the dangers that workers would face. This incident demonstrates how important it is for construction companies to effectively manage health and safety at all levels within the business.”