The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prosecuted Northumbrian Water Limited, after an employee was crushed between the loading bucket and cab of a construction vehicle.

In March 2008, 38-year-old Robert Ayers from Lowestoft was driving a Bobcat skid steer loader at the company's Lound water treatment works site. 

Mr Ayers got out of the vehicle and left the engine running as he intended to return to the driver’s cab. However, he slipped and pressed the control button that raised the vehicle's bucket. 

Mr Ayers was trapped between the cab and the bucket, suffering crush injuries that resulted in permanent scarring. He also spent three days in intensive care following the accident.

The HSE investigation discovered that a device that ensures the bucket cannot be raised without the driver being in the cab was faulty. HSE inspectors also found that Mr Ayers and other employees on the site had not received adequate training in using the Bobcat skid steer loader.

On Friday (26/02/10) at Lowestoft Magistrates’ Court, Northumbrian Water Limited – which owns and operates Essex and Suffolk Water – pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined £17,000 and ordered to pay full costs of £17,045.40.

After the hearing, investigating HSE inspector Richard Hines said that Mr Ayers was ‘very lucky’ to have escaped with his life because similar incidents involving other companies had resulted in employees being crushed to death. 

‘It was a simple example of faulty equipment and insufficient training creating a potential disaster,’ said Mr Hines.

‘This should serve as a serious warning to all companies that they must ensure the health and safety of their work force – it is their responsibility.’

‘HSE will not hesitate to take action against those who fall short of their duty and the legal requirements in such a way,’ Mr Hines added.

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