Telehandler driver sentenced after fatal construction-site incident
A self-employed telehandler operator received a suspended custodial sentence after reversing over and fatally injuring a lift supervisor on a Cheshire construction site.
What happened
HSE reported that a lift supervisor was fatally injured after being struck and reversed over by a telehandler on a construction site in Ince, Cheshire.
HSE said the operator chose to reverse despite a clear turning circle being available and had been using a mobile phone while in control of the machine. He received a 12-week custodial sentence suspended for 12 months, an £800 fine and was ordered to pay £2,000 costs.
Why it matters
Lifting-operation controls cannot stop at the suspended load. Telehandler movements, travel routes, segregation, reversing arrangements, banksman requirements and operator behaviour all form part of controlling the work area.
- Plan plant travel and turning routes.
- Minimise reversing wherever reasonably practicable.
- Define people-plant segregation and exclusion zones.
- Set clear banksman requirements.
- Enforce mobile-phone and distraction controls.
LiftPlanProUK provides planning and management support. Site-specific information must be checked and every lifting operation approved by a competent person.