22/04/2010 - Firm fined over forklift collision
A metal-processing company is facing a bill in excess of £16,000 after a worker was hit by a forklift truck.
The incident left Daniel Baxter, 54, an employee at All Metal Services' (AMS) Bolton site, with three broken toes, fractured foot bones and extensive tissue damage. He still has difficulty walking more than 18 months later.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) told Manchester Crown Court that Mr Baxter had been kneeling down to measure pallets at the end of an aisle when the accident happened.
A subsequent investigation revealed that stock left in the passageway had narrowed the route for the truck. It added that there should have been a separate walkway for pedestrians.
AMS pleaded guilty to health and safety violations. It was fined £12,500 and ordered to pay £4,230 in costs.
HSE inspector Alex Farnhill said: "The company has an annual turnover of more than $180 million with bases in the UK, France and China. Any organisation that size can easily afford to spend time and money on basic health and safety."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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