Farm Boss Fined After Worker Plunges to Death from Forklift!
Tragic Fall at Cheshire Farm
A man died after falling from a forklift while trying to fix a roof at Moss Hall Farm in Tarporley, Cheshire. The victim, named Mr Young, was lifted about 16 feet high in a potato box perched on forklift forks. As he moved inside the precariously balanced box, it tipped over, causing fatal head injuries. Paramedics rushed to the scene but he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Dangerous Shortcut Sparks Fatal Accident
Health and Safety inspectors slammed the farm for using a forklift instead of proper equipment like a scissor lift or cherry picker. The firm failed to plan and carry out basic safety measures. The forklift operator was also untrained, further adding to the risks.
Fines and Prohibition to Stop Unsafe Practices
- Farm owner, D.S. Thornhill (Rushton) Limited, was fined £12,000 and ordered to pay £10,000 costs.
- Individual, Thornhill of Eaton Lane, Tarporley, was fined £4,000 and ordered to pay £4,000 costs for Health and Safety breaches.
- A Prohibition Notice was issued to halt unsafe work involving the forklift until safety standards improve.
The company was found guilty of breaching Sections 3(1) and 37 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Authorities warn: proper safety gear is a must to prevent more farmyard tragedies.
