Safety Signs News

Lorry trailer accident highlights importance of safety signs

11th March 2010 | Warning Signs

A lorry-trailer building firm in Trafford has been fined £15,000 after one of its employees was crushed by two tonnes of falling metal.

The man was helping to move a host of metal strips on to a trailer belonging to S Cartwright and Sons in March 2008 when the stack and lifting beam fell on him.

He broke his back in four places, 12 ribs and a shoulder blade, while also puncturing a lung, bruising his heart and sustaining injuries to his stomach.

In a hearing at Manchester Crown Court, the company was fined and ordered to pay £18,315 in costs as a result of the incident, which highlights the need for appropriate warning signs.

"The company regularly requires its employees to unload long stacks of metal strips, which are used to build the trailers for lorries," said Health and Safety Executive inspector Richard Clarke.

"But, at the time of the incident, it did not provide suitable training or written guidance for its staff to handle long loads."

Last month, Tregroes Waffle Bakery was fined £1,750 after one of its workers suffered a fractured rib, a cut leg and bruising after a fall, highlighting the need for health and safety signs.

Posted by Nicole Stevens ADNFCR-2754-ID-19663538-ADNFCR