%201.svg)
%201.svg)
Recent prosecutions: £85,000 fine following fatal forklift truck accident
A business received a fine of over £85,000 after a driver was killed while using a forklift truck to load a heavy goods vehicle (HGV).
The 60-year-old's forklift truck overturned as the HGV he was loading moved forward unexpectedly. The worker, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was trapped under the vehicle and suffered fatal injuries.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation revealed that the man's employer had failed to sufficiently manage vehicle movements through safe systems of work or to enforce seatbelt rules for forklift truck operatives.
The hearing suggested that a seat belt would have likely saved the worker's life.
The company pleaded guilty to breaching regulation 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was ordered to pay a £86,710 fine and £5,903 in costs.
Step up forklift safety on your site
Forklift trucks are essential to efficient site operations – however, they're a contributing factor in almost 25% of workplace accidents. Common forklift-related hazards include insufficient training, unsafe stacking and manoeuvring operations, absence of segregation measures, poor quality equipment, and lax seatbelt rules.
Risks can be significantly reduced with a few basic safety strategies:
- Make seat belts mandatory
- Separate drivers and pedestrians
- Run daily equipment and vehicle checks
- Perform ongoing maintenance
- Commit to career-long training
Last updated
April 27, 2024
Opus Safety
Health & safety insights
Guidance, updates and practical advice for your sector.
On the Radar: Local Authority Enforcement Priorities (2026–2029)
The HSE's LAC 67/2 strategy sets council inspection priorities for 2026-2029, shifting towards health risks. What local-authority-regulated businesses should check now.
HSE prosecutions: The cost of poor compliance
Four recent HSE prosecutions - occupational asthma, severed fingers, a lost leg and a fall from height - and the basic controls that would have prevented each.
The RIDDOR public consultation: What it means for you
The HSE's 2026 RIDDOR consultation proposes five reforms to incident reporting. What the changes mean for duty holders, and what to do before it closes on 30 June.
How to Report Health and Safety Incidents Involving Employees Under RIDDOR
How to Report Health and Safety Concerns under RIDDOR, including reportable incidents, key deadlines and compliant recordkeeping.
Do You Need an Asbestos Survey for Your Workplace?
Do you need an asbestos survey? Learn your legal duties, survey types and how to manage asbestos risks in your workplace safely.
Who Is Responsible for Health and Safety? Legionella Duties Explained
Who Is Responsible for Health and Safety? Legionella Duties Explained. Learn UK duty holder responsibilities and Legionella risk assessment duties.
Workplace Noise Assessments: Protecting Your Employees
Workplace noise assessments help protect employees, meet UK legal duties, and prevent noise-induced hearing loss. Book expert support.
HSE prosecutions: lessons from four recent enforcement cases
Four recent HSE prosecutions across builders merchants, manufacturing, waste and vehicle maintenance show why machinery guarding, hazardous substance controls and workplace transport segregation remain non-negotiable.
Martyn's Law: Navigating the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025
A practical guide to Martyn's Law - who it applies to, the standard and enhanced tiers, your core duties, and what businesses should do now to prepare.
Employer Health and Safety Responsibilities: Manual Handling Guide
Employer manual handling guide covering UK legal duties, risk assessments, MSD prevention, TILE controls and safety training.
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)
