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Hazardous waste company Lanstar Ltd has been fined £126,000 after an employee who was not wearing a seat belt died when his forklift overturned.

The incident happened on 3 April 2017 at Lanstar’s site in Cadishead, Manchester. An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed the driver had not been wearing a seat belt, despite it being company policy.

The HSE said the company had failed to ensure drivers were using seat belts and had also failed to adequately consider the risks of forklift trucks overturning.

It added that the potential for forklift trucks to overturn is "well known within industry".

A prosecution was brought by the HSE and the case was heard at Manchester Magistrates Court. Lanstar Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

In addition to the fine it was ordered to pay costs of £17,664.

HSE principal inspector Ian Copland said: “This incident could so easily have been avoided if the driver had been wearing a seat belt as per company policy.

“However, because the company did not fully appreciate the risk of an overturn, management failed to instruct and supervise their drivers properly. This resulted in seat belts not routinely being worn by forklift truck drivers on-site.

“The HSE hopes this case helps to communicate important messages for employers to properly assess risks and put in place appropriate controls.”

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