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Firms fined following fatal health and safety lapse

Two companies have been hit with a fine after a lack of appropriate health and safety regulations led to the death of a worker.

Milton Keynes-based Exel Europe and Bristol's Imperial Tobacco were sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court for violating the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 following an incident which cost 42-year-old Gary Brooks his life.

Mr Brooks suffered fatal head injuries when the lorry to which he was attempting to attach a loaded trailer rolled forward, trapping him between the vehicle and a building.

It was found that staff employed by the companies did not routinely apply the brakes on parked trailers, nor had they received any proper training on this key safety measure.

Frances Bailey, an inspector for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), said: "All haulage companies should know that it is their responsibility to check on safety practices and make sure drivers are following the right procedures."

According to data released by HSE last week, 151 workers were killed as a result of workplace accidents in 2009-10.

Quantum Risk Management are a leading Health and Safety Consultancy

Posted on 05/07/2010

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