Firm failed to call ambulance after worker broke neck

A forklift driver has been left permanently disabled after his employer and work colleagues failed to recognise how serious his injuries were following an accident at work.

Barry Hill, aged 60, suffered a broken neck and wrist after a computer cabinet he was moving fell on him, yet he was driven to hospital by a colleague instead of having an ambulance called out for him.

He spent 6 weeks in hospital and 14 weeks in halo traction and his injuries have meant he has been unable to return to work. Over three years after the accident, he still experiences discomfort in his neck.

Mr Hill’s employers, logistics firm Palletways (UK) Ltd, have been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following an investigation into the incident, which occurred on 22nd August 2008. After pleading guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, they have been fined £60,000 and ordered to pay a further £41,339 in prosecution costs.

Stafford Crown Court heard that Palletways (UK) had failed to adequately train or supervise Mr Hill while he worked at their distribution centre in Fradley, West Midlands. The HSE investigation had revealed that there was no formal training programme or risk assessment in place for lifting and securing items, and that Mr Hill had been trained by a colleague whose competency to provide training had not been assessed. If Mr Hill had been properly monitored, his employers would have identified that he was unaware of how to adequately secure items onto the pallets with shrink wrap.

HSE Inspector Lyn Spooner said: “This was a preventable incident that could easily have resulted in death, or paralysis. Any company that carries out lifting operations must assess the risks thoroughly, especially the need for proper training and supervision. There is no excuse for failing to do this, especially as free guidance is available from HSE.”

The inspector also criticised the firm’s failure to call an ambulance to the scene of the accident: “It was clear that he had suffered a head injury and Palletways (UK) should have treated this as a very serious incident and called an ambulance immediately.”

The firm has since carried out a risk assessment and implemented proper supervision and training programmes. They have also informed all staff that they must call an ambulance if anyone suffers a head injury, and that the injured person must not be moved until paramedics arrive.

First Response Training provide comprehensive training in Essentials of Health and Safety and also offer the accredited CIEH Level 2 Health and Safety in the Workplace, which helps employers and workers to understand their responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. They also provide HSE-approved first aid training, such as the 3-day First Aid at Work Qualifying course, which covers head injuries and injury assessment. It also teaches the importance of getting help when required and explains the role of the first aider.

For more information on any of First Response’s first aid and health and safety training courses, just call freephone 0800 310 2300 today.