A 57 year old worker, who wishes to remain anonymous, was clearing the gutters of a farm building on 14th May 2008, when an accident occurred involving a telehandler machine. R J Baker & Co Limited of Bainton Heights Farm have been fined 3,000 and ordered to pay the same amount in legal costs by Bridlington Magistrates’ Court after the incident.
The 57 year old farm worker had been using a standard ladder to clear out the guttering before the worker’s colleague, who had been left in charge of operating the telehandler, manoeuvred it towards him. After the worker climbed into the bucket of the telehandler to access the guttering, the operator tilted it downwards accidently, causing the worker to fall to the ground.
The worker suffered a fractured shin, dislocated and broken right ankle, and partially fractured heel after falling several metres onto a concrete floor. The worker required specialist treatment and spent more than a month in hospital after the accident.
The present case does not serve as a good example of an accident that could have been avoided and in such cases it would be a good idea to speak to a number of injury lawyers.
Numerous accident claims have been raised over the past few years following incidents involving telehandlers, which prompted the Health and Safety Executive to urge companies in agriculture and other dangerous industries to follow strict safety guidelines. In June of this year, the Health and Safety Executive appealed directly to farms on the issue of using telehandlers correctly, but it would seem that not all farms have paid attention.
The agriculture industry has turned into Britain’s most hazardous working environments following information released recently by the Health and Safety Executive, finding that accident claims are on the rise in the UK.
As confirmed by the seriousness of this case, telehandlers remain a significant health and safety issue for many British farms. Appearing in court, R J Baker & Co Limited pleaded guilty to infringing the Work at Height Regulations 2005 – Regulation 6(3).
Health and Safety Executive inspector, Carol Downes, speaking after the case said: “This farm worker suffered horrific injuries following his fall at Bainton Heights Farm. He was extremely lucky to survive the fall and if he had landed head-first he could easily have been killed… This prosecution must serve as a strong reminder that farm machinery should only be used for its intended purpose”.
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