Accidents at Work - new statistics

We were running a forklift training course the other day and the accident figures used came up for discussion. The casualty/mortality figures in the skills guide issued on these courses are for guidance only.

A quick phone call to my HSE contact and I was pointed at a recent HSE press release.

First the Figures for 2007:

HSE statistics highlight transport as the second biggest cause of work-related deaths, after falls from height. Every year, around 70 people are killed in transport-related accidents in the workplace and around eight of those involve Fork Lift Trucks. Of 2,249 reported accidents in one year, involving Fork Lift Trucks, 626 caused major injuries, including amputations and broken bones.

Next the reason for the press release, which involved a £1,750 fine for the employee - warning for everyone to drive carefully.

HSE’s investigating inspector Anne Robinson said:

“It is important that individuals are aware that they, as well as their employer, have duties under the law to take reasonable care of the health and safety of others who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work. Mr Wyatt’s employer had employed an in-house forklift truck trainer and Mr Wyatt had received regular refresher training and re-testing.

“In this case his forward visibility was significantly obscured by the load and he could not see his colleague. The injuries inflicted could have been significantly worse, or even fatal. Operators of lift trucks must ensure that they operate them in accordance with the training they have been given to prevent such tragedies.”

So a quick reminder at this busy time of year to just take a few seconds to think.