An injured worker might want to look into making an accident compensation claim after a successful prosecution was brought against his employer.
The 61-year-old employee from Verwood in Dorset had both of his ankles and lower legs broken when a forklift truck reversed into him at his place of employment in March of last year.
While he has since returned to work at the manufacturing firm, the victim's injuries were initially thought to be severe enough to have ended his career.
As a result of the accident, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) took the employer to court where the firm pleaded guilty to Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The firm was fined a total of £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £2,407.
The victim himself could consider an accident compensation claim if he is keen to look into more recompense for his injuries.
Meanwhile, Ian Smart, HSE inspector, noted that the experienced workers are still vulnerable to life-changing injuries at work.
He added: “The message is that if firms have limited space they still have to organise their operation so that they don't have conflicting activities going on in the same place. Pedestrians and fork lift trucks don't mix.”