%201.svg)
%201.svg)
In May 2022, a goat farming company was fined £180,000 for safety offences after an employee was killed by a reversing vehicle. On 1 August 2018, an employee of Yorkshire Dairy Goats was struck by a reversing telescopic materials handler vehicle (telehandler) while working on a farm in York.
An HSE investigation revealed that, after finishing her shift, the woman walked through a corridor and into the path of the reversing vehicle. The driver was unable to see the worker and could not prevent the accident. The company received a £180,000 fine, plus £20,000 in costs.
Avoiding vehicle incidents in your builders merchant
A high proportion of onsite traffic accidents are caused by reversing vehicles, but it's possible to minimise risks with simple safety controls:
- Assess where vehicles reverse on your site and evaluate if it is necessary. Consider if a one-way system could eliminate the need.
- If reversing is unavoidable, check that you have suitable controls in place – reversing alarms, flashing lights and motion sensors.
- If you have routes that step into traffic movement, ensure you have suitable signage and barriers in place.
- Consider using trained signallers (or banksmen) to guide drivers.
- Minimise the interaction between pedestrians and vehicles wherever possible.
- Ask visiting drivers to report to reception for an overview of your site layout.
Last updated
July 1, 2022
Opus Safety
Health & safety insights
Guidance, updates and practical advice for your sector.
What is Health and Safety Legislation? A Guide for UK SMEs
Understand UK health and safety legislation, including HSWA, risk assessments, RIDDOR and key regulations to keep your business compliant.
Recent HSE Prosecutions
Discover real UK workplace safety prosecutions – including fines for machinery incidents, falls from height, and COSHH failings – and what your business can learn from them.
Health and safety training: When to refresh staff skills and knowledge
Find out when to refresh your team's health and safety training, from onboarding to recertification and role changes.
Consultant Q&A: Sector safety challenges and solutions for 2026
Our consultants share clients' top sector safety concerns, plus practical tips to maintain strong standards in a challenging business environment.
Your latest Opus Compliance Cloud upgrades
We’re constantly evolving Opus Compliance Cloud, our work-saving H&S software. See what’s new across the system – and what the changes mean for you.
Workplace violence and abuse: How to protect your employees
Violence and abuse against retail staff is increasing. Take vital steps to safeguard and empower your team.
Working with contractors: Selection, safeguarding, and management
Bringing on external expertise requires a different level of safety management. Maximise productivity while reducing contractor-related risks.
Working at height: Critical training points to protect your team
Working at height is the UK’s number one workplace killer. Get a checklist of key training areas to prevent falls and improve working practices.
Worker safety – help your team beat the chill through winter
Cold weather working can affect your employees’ health, safety and productivity. Our targeted tips ensure you’re providing all the right protection.
Wood dust safety in your workplace - expert tips to protect your team
Wood dust is generated by machines that eject fine particulate dust into the atmosphere. Learn how to protect your staff from long-term health risks.
Why businesses choose
Opus Safety
We've worked across UK industry for years. The numbers show what our clients achieve when compliance becomes a strength, not a burden.
%201.svg)
