A worker in England was significantly injured after a one-tonne crate fell on him from a forklift. The injuries sustained by the worker were described as “life-changing”.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the incident which originally took place in 2020. The HSE’s investigation ultimately concluded with the responsible company being sentenced midway through September of this year. Smith & Nephew Medical Ltd received a £230,000 fine. They were also ordered to pay £111,000 costs.

Following their investigation, the HSE concluded that Smith & Nephew Medical Ltd did not correctly plan the crate-unloading process, including no assessment of whether their own forklift was suitable for the job at hand. The HSE also concluded that “the unloading operation was not meaningfully controlled or supervised.”

“This case should serve as a reminder to the wider industry of the need to properly plan and supervise unloading operations, particularly where non-standard loads are involved. Such operations require a risk assessment proportionate to the hazards, taking account of the nature of the load, the suitability of lifting equipment and the arrangements for execution and supervision,” said HSE Inspector David Stewart.

As part of FlexManager’s solutions, we have an array of modules that can help you engage with health & safety compliance. Our Health & Safety modules include Risk Assessment Method Statements, Safety Observations, Risk Assessments, and Job Hazard Analysis. These are just a few of the options that can help you maintain better control over the health & safety aspects of your business.

Why not book a demo today to understand more about how FlexManager can help you shape your focus towards health & safety? That way, you’ll be better positioned to act when it matters.