HGV driver suffers fatal injuries

The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) have investigated an accident where a HGV driver suffered fatal chest injuries. The driver was unstrapping a load on the flatbed trailer, when the load (steel gates) fell and tragically crushed him. Andrew Bayley-Machin, 41, was fatally crushed after the steel gates fell approximately 10 ft from the trailer.

The investigation by the HSE found that planning arrangements for restraining the load were inadequate. Heavy goods should be stable independent of the straps, this ensures that the release of the straps does not allow the load to fall from the vehicle.

Both Joseph Ash Ltd (the company who loaded the gates onto the HGV) and LM Bateman & Company (Andrew Bayley-Machin's employer) plead guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. They were fined £120,000 and ordered to pay £16,334 worth of costs.

Following the hearing, a HSE inspector Wendy Campbell said "This death would have been prevented had an effective system for managing load restraint been in place at both companies. This is a reminder to all companies of the need to properly assess and apply effective control measures when securing loads to minimise the risks from transporting goods on road vehicles."

To read the full article click here.