Worker killed in FLT collision

A Livingston food manufacturer has been ordered to pay a large fine after one of its workers was killed after being hit by a badly loaded forklift truck (FLT).

Vion Food Scotland Limited, of Kirkton Campus, was fined £100,000 after pleading guilty to breaking Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 following the incident.

Livingston Sheriff Court heard that George Hardie, 60, from Livingston, was walking across the yard at the company's site in Broxburn, West Lothian on June 2, 2009, when the accident took place.

As he was walking to deliver papers to another part of the site a FLT was being driven across the yard to be washed.

The FLT driver stopped when he felt the truck drive over something, but tragically found Mr Hardie lying on his back with his lower half trapped underneath the forklift.

The Health and Safety Executive subsequently discovered that Vion Foods Scotland Ltd had not properly assessed the risks of moving the containers around the yard or made arrangements to make sure the containers were moved in a safe way.

IBB Solicitors has built a reputation for quality of service in pursuing compensation in cases involving accident, illness or death. If you would like advice on personal injury issues, you can contact a member of IBB's Personal Injury team, call us on 08456 381 381 or email enquiries@ibblaw.co.uk.