Bridlington Magistrates’ Court have instructed R J Baker & Co Limited of Bainton Heights Farm to pay 3000 in legal costs and the same amount again in fines after an accident involving a telehandler machine and one of its workers. A 57 year old worker, who wishes to keep his identity secret, was clearing a farm buildings gutters on 14th May 2008.
The workers colleague, who was left in charge to operate the telehandler machine, moved it over to where the 57 year old had been using a normal ladder to access guttering on the roof of the farmhouse. The operator accidently slanted the bucket of the telehandler downwards once the worker had climbed in, causing him to fall to the ground.
With extensive leg injuries, due to the fall of several metres, that included a partially fractured heel, fractured shin as well as a broken and dislocated right ankle, the worker spent more than a month in hospital. He also required specialist treatment thereafter.
Although accidents do happen, incidents like the one described above are not good examples of accidents that could have been avoided. This is where it would be a good time to call a few injury lawyers.
The Health and Safety Executive appealed to companies in the agriculture industry and other dangerous businesses to follow stricter safety guidelines when utilising telehandler machines after the number of accidents involving their use have increased in the past few years. The Health and Safety Executive asked farms specifically to follow the guidelines set out more closely in June of this year, however it would seem not all have paid attention.
Following figures recently released by the Health and Safety Executive it appears accident claims in agriculture are becoming increasingly more common in the UK. It indicates that agriculture is now Britain’s most dangerous industry with the most serious injuries and deaths being recorded.
The misuse of telehandlers remains a serious health and safety issue affecting British farms, as demonstrated in the present case. Appearing in court, R J Baker & Co Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005.
Speaking after the case, Health and Safety Executive inspector, Carol Downes, 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”.
Looking to find the best deal on injury at work compensation, then visit Nathan Payne’s site.
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
