Be thorough with safety

A meat company based in North London has been fined for failing to carry out routine inspections on their forklifts. MIB United Meat Ltd based in Enfield, Middlesex, has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive after admitting three breaches of safety legislation. The court was informed that, on asking to see the vehicle examination records for the company's counterbalance fork lift truck, the HSE inspector received a document via email which proved to be a fabricated. HSE discovered that the forklift had in fact never been examined, which is required by safety rules for lifting equipment - since being purchased in August 2011.

More than 40 Faults

A specialist mechanical inspector from HSE, who examined the forklift in April 2013, found more than 40 faults with the forklift, including faults which could have endangered its operator. MIB United Meat Ltd was fined a total of £18,000 and ordered to pay £2,314 in full costs.

However, according to CFTS, this breach of Health and Safety Regulations could be the tip of the iceberg.

Chairman of the CFTS Mike Mathias says that "Although shocking, this case is not as exceptional as it should be. There are many fork truck operators who are unaware of their responsibilities."

"Thorough examination if industrial lift trucks is required under health and safety law: LOLER 1998, which covers lifting equipment, and PUWER 1998, which deals with all other safety-related items, such as brakes, steering and tyres." - Health and Safety Executive (HSE)