Chesterfield company fined after horrific forklift accident

Chesterfield Justice Centre heard George Hallas visited the site of Acorn Fencing on Whittington Hill to purchase fencing materials.

While he was moving the materials, Mr Hallas was struck by a reversing fork lift truck being operated by an Acorn employee.

Mr Hallas suffered fractures to his legs, ankles and feet as a result of this incident.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Acorn’s owner, Michael James Bend, failed to implement a safe system of work which clearly segregated pedestrians and workplace transport.

The defendant of Tapton View Road, Chesterfield pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and fined £3032 and ordered to pay costs of £1627.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Martin Waring said: “This incident could have been prevented had Mr Bend implemented a safe system of work and properly informed his employees.”