Separation of Mobile Ramp and Forklift Truck To Blame for Fractured Back

Andrew Baxter of Eckington suffered a fractured back whilst working on 15th February 2010. Whilst unloading a 20ft container at the site of Vesuvius UK Ltd’s Sheepbridge Works, based in Chesterfield, a serious accident took place that left Mr Baxter unable to work for the nine months immediately following the incident.

The Health and Safety Executive pursued the company after regulations were left unnoticed regarding the area surrounding this specific incident.

A fork lift truck accident left Mr Baxter with a fractured back.

Mr Baxter was in the process of using a forklift truck and mobile ramp. The lorry bed and the ramp became separated, meaning both the truck and the driver were left to fall to the hard surface below. Suffering a fractured back and crushed disc, Mr Baxter then spent eight days in hospital and although did recover after nine months rehabilitation, has never been the same and at the present time is only able to work on a part time basis.

Fractured Back Could Have Been Prevented

Fiona Coffey of the HSE had this to say on the matter:

‘’Vesuvius UK Ltd failed to proactively assess the risks of loading and unloading using the mobile ramps, a failure that resulted in Mr Baxter sustaining severe injuries.

The company had a legal duty to ensure work equipment was safe to use and that employees were instructed in safe systems of work and supervised but it also failed to do so.’’

The site itself has seen no evidence risk assessment having been carried out where the refractory products are made, at a time when more than 4,000 people suffered major injuries after falling from a height at work in the UK last year.

Also, amongst the majority of the fork lift truck drivers it was well known that the ramp could potentially quite easily move away from the lorry beds. There had been an unofficial procedure or pushing the ramp back into its position using the forks of the truck only.

There has been a fine of £24,000 alongside costs of £4,815 for Vesuvius UK Limited.

Have You or a Loved One Suffered a Fractured Back in a Work Accident?

If you have suffered injury through no fault of your own in a working environment, you could be entitled to seek work injury compensation through personal injury solicitors.

Here at Duncan Gibbins we understand the pressures associated with claiming compensation against your employers and our personal injury experts can guide you through the whole claims process, helping you understand that you are legally entitled to claim without fearing repercussions for your employment status.

With cases and clients from all over the UK, from Southampton and Bristol, up to Leeds and Newcastle, we have advisors who are ready to take your call and put you on the first steps to a full recovery. Call us today on 0800 0193 515 to discuss your fractured back injury or other work related major injuries that have affected your life.