Two companies fined after worker run over by a telehander

Bellway Homes Ltd and A D Bly Construction Ltd have today been fined after a worker was struck by a telehandler.

Basildon Magistrates’ Court heard how, on 14 July 2015, a grounds worker was run over by a telehandler whilst undertaking work in the middle of the construction site road. The grounds worker was fortunate that he passed under the body of the reversing telehandler, and not under the wheels, which would have likely resulted in his death. The resulting injuries include chipped vertebra, muscular and tendon damage and the worker has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).s

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found both the principal contractor, Bellway Homes, and subcontractor, A D Bly Construction failed in their duties to effectively plan, manage and monitor control measures to address the risks associated with construction site vehicles. The investigation also found they failed to manage and control the risk of persons being struck by a vehicle on their construction site.

A D Bly Construction Ltd of Nup End Business Centre, Old Knebworth pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 15(2) of Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and has been fined £26,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,271.38.

Bellway Homes Ltd of Seaton Burn House, Dudley Lane pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 13(1) of Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and has been fined £31,500 and ordered to pay costs of £48,600.

Speaking after the case, HSE Inspector Ian Shearring said: “The risks associated with construction vehicles is well-known and both companies failed in their duties to address these. Both Bellway Homes as the principal contractor, and A D Bly as subcontractor, have today been held to account for failing to take adequate action to protect the health and safety of persons working on their site.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We prevent work-related death, injury and ill health through regulatory actions that range from influencing behaviours across whole industry sectors through to targeted interventions on individual businesses. These activities are supported by globally recognised scientific expertise. hse.gov.uk
2. More about the legislation referred to in this case can be found at: legislation.gov.uk/
3. HSE news releases are available at http://press.hse.gov.uk