Summary
A lorry driver was hit by a grain bucket attached to a telescopic loader when he was delivering feed to a farm. He was walking through a passageway towards the farmer when a teleloader driven by a farm employee struck him from behind bruising his neck, back and shoulders. The bucket on the loader had been raised obstructing the driver's forward view.
Action
The farmer was prosecuted under Section 3(1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 for failing to ensure the safety of delivery drivers. He pleaded guilty and was fined £2,700 plus £800 towards the costs of bringing the prosecution. The driver's employer was also prosecuted for failing to ensure the safety of delivery drivers during farm deliveries and, on pleading guilty, was given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay £1,551 towards the cost of the case.
Advice
Vehicle routes and movements need to be planned to separate them from pedestrians. Ideally areas where vehicles (in particular delivery vehicles) are likely to be manoeuvring should be made pedestrian free.