Ambergate company admits health and safety failings

Lockwood Haulage Limited, of Sawmills, pleaded guilty to two health and safety offences during an appearance at Derby Magistrates’ Court last week.

The company, which operates a large warehousing and distribution facility, was answering charges relating to offences following accidents in 2013.

The first accident occurred when the company allowed an untrained agency worker to drive a power pallet truck. He suffered injuries to his ankle and feet when the truck collided with a safety barrier.

In the second incident, a Lockwood employee fell from a mezzanine floor in the warehouse and suffered injuries including fractures to his head and shoulder.

Both workers have suffered long-term effects from the accident and their injuries.

The prosecution was taken by Amber Valley Borough Council following a lengthy investigation. Lockwood Haulage pleaded guilty to two charges under the Health and Safety at Work Act, and the case was referred to Derby Crown Court for sentencing at a later date.

A council spokesperson said the company had been proactive in putting in place measures to prevent such accidents happening in the future.