I read recently about an unfortunate driver who was seriously injured when a full pallet landed on him as his truck was being unloaded.

Newport based Freight Movement was fined a total of £84,000 as a result of the incident as the driver, their employee, was hurt when a pallet loaded with 920kg of cardboard packaging toppled onto him from a forklift. He suffered multiple fractures and internal injuries.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) carried out a thorough investigation. They concluded that there was a lack of segregation between vehicles and pedestrians, safe walking areas and safe waiting areas for drivers were inadequate, a lack of safe walkways and a lack of control over vehicle movements.

Freight Movement pleaded guilty and, as well as the fines, was required to pay costs of £5,633.

Commercial Motors’ website reported that HSE inspector Sian Donne said: “This incident could have easily been prevented by simply reviewing the risks from transport and keeping transport and people apart. This is a reminder to all companies to take suitable action to control the risks from transport in their workplaces. HSE will take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”