1.2-tonne crate falls from forklift: HSE case reinforces planning and supervision duties
A worker suffered life-changing injuries when a 1.2-tonne crate fell from a forklift during a non-standard unloading operation. HSE found the work was poorly planned, not properly assessed and unsupervised.
A non-standard lift with serious consequences
HSE reported on 15 September 2026 that a 64-year-old worker sustained life-changing injuries when a crate weighing about 1.2 tonnes fell from a forklift truck during unloading at a Hull site. HSE found the non-standard unloading operation was poorly planned, had not been adequately assessed and was unsupervised.
Why prosecution cases matter
These cases reinforce the purpose of competent planning and compliance: first to prevent people being harmed, and also to protect organisations and individuals from enforcement and prosecution when duties are not met.
- Risk assess non-standard unloading and lifting operations.
- Confirm the load, equipment suitability and lifting method.
- Have lifting operations planned by a competent person where required.
- Provide appropriate supervision.
- Stop and re-plan when the actual operation differs from the expected method.
LiftPlanProUK provides planning and management support. Site-specific information must be checked and every lifting operation approved by a competent person.