According to recent reports, the UK Material Handling Association (UKMHA) has issued its advice to the industry on the importance of following correct procedures relating to tyre wear and inflation. This follows a court case in which the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) successfully prosecuted a concrete company after an agency worker had a fatal work accident when a tyre he was inflating exploded.
The contractor suffered fatal injuries while using an air hose/compressed air to inflate the tyre of an articulated wheel loader.
An investigation by the HSE into the incident, on 28 March 2019, found that the company did not have a safe system of work for inflation of the multi-piece split rim assembly wheels on the articulated wheel loader in place. The compressed air system had not been subject to regular and thorough examination and testing by a competent person.
UKMHA’s recommendation is a CFTS-accredited Competent Person should complete thorough examinations on lift trucks. The CFTS mark is a guarantee that a lift truck will be examined carefully, and that key components such as brakes and steering will also be checked along with the lifting mechanism.
“All MHE must receive a Thorough Examination at least once a year. However, trucks could require examinations more often depending on the type of truck and the application,” added Mr Goss.
“The process is governed by regulations enforced by the HSE. These state that Thorough Examination of industrial lift trucks is required under LOLER 1998, which covers lifting equipment. Additionally, employers must carry out safety inspections of other safety-related items, such as brakes, steering and tyres.”
Fatal Accident at Work Claims
Suffering a fatal accident at work can be devastating. According to the Health and Safety Executive’s latest figures, 142 workers suffered a fatal injury at work in 2020/21. These accidents can have a huge impact on loved ones. Employers must do all they can to minimise the risk of fatal injuries at work.
Your employer is responsible for keeping you safe at work. Your employer must make sure that they meet the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1999). They do this by conducting risk assessments to ensure that they keep everyone safe.
If the business you are working for fails in their duty to keep you safe, then they may be responsible for the fatal accident at work.
Claiming on Behalf of Someone Else
If a loved one has suffered a fatal accident at work, you may be able to make a claim on their behalf. In these cases, it is usually the next of kin of the person who has suffered a fatal accident at work who can make the claim on their behalf. Those who represent the deceased’s estate can also make a claim.
We understand that when you lose a loved one, making a claim may be the last thing on your mind. The solicitors we work with are trained to deal with matters such as these. Therefore, they show the utmost compassion and understanding when it comes to making difficult claims.
How We Can Help
Here at The Compensation Experts, we work with solicitors who have years of experience dealing with personal injury claims. This includes fatal accident at work claims. Contact us today by filling in our contact form. Or call us on 01614138765 to speak to our friendly experts.