Firm fined £90k after worker injured falling from forklift bucket
Summary
South East Refurbishment Ltd has been fined after a worker suffered life-changing injuries in a fall from a raised forklift bucket while carrying out dismantling work at a site in Kent. The HSE said the incident arose from poor contractor management, inadequate training, and a lack of supervision and safe systems of work for work at height.
Why it matters
The case is a clear reminder for surveyors overseeing refurbishment, maintenance or contractor-led works that unsafe access equipment and weak control of contractors can create serious liability. It reinforces the need to check that work at height is properly planned, supervised and limited to competent operatives.
Key points
- Worker fell from a raised tipping bucket on a forklift truck and spent months in hospital.
- HSE found no suitable arrangements to manage contractors or ensure site safety.
- No training, instruction or procedure was in place for access to the forklift truck or scissor lift.
- The company had previously received HSE advice and enforcement on contractor control and unsafe work at height.
- The firm pleaded guilty under section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was fined £90,000.
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