The incident took place in October 2018, at the company’s site at Optima Park site (see letsrecycle.com story).
According to a statement from the HSE, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard last month that on 9 October 2018, agency worker Jamie Wright was driving a forklift truck at the plant when it overturned.
The HSE reported that Mr Wright was not wearing a seatbelt and became trapped between the forklift’s rollover protective structure and the floor, which resulted in “fatal crush injuries”.
‘Deeply regret’
A spokesperson for Restore Datashred said: “We deeply regret this accident in October 2018 in one of our facilities. Health and safety is our highest priority in the company and we have made changes and continue every day to work to improve the safety of the workplace for our staff and customers.”
Restore Datashred offers confidential data shredding services and has a nationwide network of 11 specialised shredding centres.
Investigation
An investigation by the HSE found “significant failings” in the management of workplace transport risks at the site, including issues relating to “operator competence, supervision and monitoring”.
The HSE reported that Restore Datashred pleaded guilty to a breaching of Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £600,000 and ordered to pay costs of £22,860.
‘Tragic and preventable’
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Sarah Whittle said: “This was a tragic and preventable work-related incident.
“Companies need to ensure that work equipment, such as forklift trucks, is only operated by those who are trained and competent to do so, and that temporary workers are not allowed to slip through the cracks with regard to appropriate training, supervision and management.”
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