A berth operator at an Essex Port has
been fined £20,000 for safety failings after an employee had both legs
amputated after they were crushed by a cargo container in an incident which
occurred on the 26th March 2010.
The dock worker was returning to a
safe refuge under a quayside crane when he was knocked down by a 45ft container
being lowered by a reach stacker. The driver of the reach stacker, unaware that
the worker was on the quayside and had been knocked down, continued to lower
the container onto his legs. They were crushed to such a degree that they later
had to be amputated.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
found that Stanton Grove had failed to ensure the safety of the worker while he
was working on the quayside.
HSE Inspector Toni Drury, said:
"This incident clearly
demonstrates why it is essential that the risk arising from the movement of
vehicles and large lifting plant at docks is carefully managed.
"It is common for a wide range of
vehicles and equipment to have to use shared space on the docks. There may also
be workers on foot undertaking tasks such as guiding loads, removing twistlocks
or supervising operations. Good co-ordination and co-operation between all
those who are in control of the berth, the operations and the workforce is a
necessity, and an agreed safe system of work must be properly communicated and
training provided to all involved.
If you or a member of your family has
been involved in an accident which has resulted in you sustaining injury and
would like a free and confidential discussion with one of our specialised
Solicitors, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0800 389 1978 or
visit our website at www.forsterdean.co.uk. You
can also follow us on Twitter (@ForsterDeanLtd) and
find Forster Dean Solicitors on Facebook
Mofozzul Hussain LLB (Hons) -Office
Manager (Birkenhead) and Personal Injury Solicitor
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