Hydraline Engineering fined after worker's death
An engineering company based in Cannock has been fined £40,000 after an employee was crushed to death while working under a plant vehicle.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Hydraline Engineering, of Unit 33 Martindale, Cannock, Staffordshire, following the death of employee Mark Palmer at Wells Farm, Bradley, Stafford.
The company modifies construction equipment including excavators and wheeled loaders. Palmer, from Cannock, was working on a wheeled loader at Wells Farm when the incident took place.
Palmer was working under the vehicle’s arms when the hydraulic system lost pressure. This caused the loading arm to fall, fatally crushing him against the vehicle frame.
Stafford Crown Court heard how Hydraline had failed to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment, meaning there were insufficient control measures in place to stop the arm falling in the event of a loss of hydraulic pressure.
The HSE investigation also found Hydraline had given Palmer insufficient training with regard to the risks when working with hydraulic machinery.
Hydraline Engineering pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety regulations.
The company was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay £20,000 costs by Stafford Crown Court today.
HSE inspector Wayne Owen said: "It is a tragedy for Mr Palmer’s family that his death could have been prevented if Hydraline Engineering Ltd had taken the time to properly consider the risks.
“When carrying out work under hydraulically-supported loads, it is vital that a thorough risk assessment is carried out beforehand and that suitable control measures are taken to minimise the significant dangers created by this type of work.
“Had the company provided a suitable load tested support device, this would, in conjunction with a safe system of work, have stopped the loading arm falling onto Mr Palmer - and prevented his death.”
