Being struck by moving vehicles attributed to 25 fatalities between 2020/21. But the theme continues in the most dangerous industries.
This month a goat farming company has been fined after safety breaches led to a farm worker being struck by a reversing vehicle and as a result died from the injuries.
The employee was struck by a telescopic materials handler vehicle (tele-handler) whilst working at the farm. It was found that the employee had finished milking the goats and ultimately stepped into the route of a reversing tele-handler. As the worker could not see the individual, she was hit by the vehicle and airlifted to the hospital. Unfortunately, later that day she died from the severity of her injuries. Vehicles and pedestrians need to be kept apart at all work sites. Suitable Safe Systems of Work including Plant People Interface could have saved the individual.
The company pleaded guilty to breach section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety etc Act 1974. The company has been fined £180,000 and ordered to pay £20,000 in costs.