Scottish haulage company W D Cormack & Sons has been fined after one of its drivers suffered severe injuries after falling from a trailer.
The driver was securing a load of grain bags on a curtain-sider trailer at Thormean Granary, Milnathort when he fell 2.88 metres from the trailer to the ground and sustained severe injuries as a result of the fall, Perth Sheriff Court heard recently.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) identified that there was a failure to make a suitable and sufficient risk assessment and a failure to provide and maintain a safe system of work.
Thurso-based W D Cormack & Sons pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £8,000.
Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Norman Schouten said: “This incident could have been avoided by implementing effective measures to control work at height on trailers. Load securing systems, which allow drivers to secure loads from the ground, can be easily fitted to curtain-siders.
“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standard.”
Courtesy of http://www.freight-online.co.uk/sectors/road/news/haulier-fined-after-driver-falls-trailer