Haulage firm fined after driver death
Haulage
22nd October 2008
A Glasgow haulage firm has been fined £5,000 after a driver died when he fell from his tanker.
James Hutchinson was found next to his vehicle by two farm workers in February last year, reports the Scotsman.
Cupar Sheriff Court fined Cartyne Transport after the firm admitted breaking rules concerning health and safety.
It is believed Mr Hutchinson fell from his vehicle after setting valves for the delivery of animal feed.
The lack of a safety rail on the driver's side of the tanker could have contributed to his death.
Robert Fraser, an inspector for the Health and Safety Executive, said the fatality was entirely preventable and might not have happened if a risk assessment had been carried out.
"Although workplace transport injuries form a fairly small part of all accidents at work, they are more likely to result in serious injuries and much more likely to lead to fatalities," he commented.
Haulage firms can protect themselves by carrying out proper risk assessment and ensuring they have an adequate employers liability insurance policy.
