Liverpool Magistrates' Court was told how, on 7 September 2016, an agency driver working for Jenkins Shipping Company at its Liverpool depot, was assisting in the loading of the paper reels onto his HGV trailer when a reel slipped from the clamp attachment of the forklift truck, which was being used for the loading. The reel struck his lower body and legs, causing the injuries.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that HGV drivers who worked for the firm regularly assisted with loading operations by either holding back the curtain of the trailer or strapping the reels ready for transit, placing individuals either near the drop zone or moving vehicles. Jenkins Shipping Company failed to have a safe system of work in place to keep pedestrians and vehicles separated during the loading.
Jenkins Shipping Company, of West Bank Road, Belfast, Northern Ireland, pleaded guilty to breaching ss 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act. It was fined £30,000 and must pay £7,306 costs.
HSE inspector Catherine Lyon said: "By ensuring a suitable safe system of work was in place and implemented, the life-changing injuries sustained by the HGV driver could have been avoided. Suitable safe systems include ensuring that pedestrians are located in a safe area, away from moving vehicles and falling loads."