Three companies have been fined more than £1.4 million after a security guard was struck by a HGV.
On 9th September 2015, the security guard was working a container terminal at Immingham Docks. A HGV was driving through a gate when the security guard, Lyndon Perks, stepped in front of it. He was completely unseen, and was struck when the vehicle turned toward a warehouse. He was dragged underneath the vehicle and sustained multiple injuries, dying at the scene.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) discovered that Associated British Ports and DFDS Seaways PLC hadn’t completed an appropriate workplace transport risk assessment, and had neglected to plan against the risks posed by vehicles entering the site and making manoeuvres.
The security guard was posted at the gate, meant to stop traffic and check vehicles entering the site without authorisation – however, there was no system in place to prevent accidents and ensure employees were working safety. There was no signage to indicate to drivers that they were meant to stop at the entrance and report to security, contributing to the accident. ICTS (UK) Ltd didn’t provide suitable training, and the company hadn’t considered the risks of stopping traffic without adequate protection.
HSE inspector, Carol Downes, commented “There are more than 5,000 incidents involving transport in the workplace every year, and, like in this case, sadly, some of which are fatal. HSE found inadequate consultation between parties and no assessment of the risks to the segregation of vehicles and pedestrians. A properly implemented transport risk assessment should have identified sufficient measures to separate people and vehicles, and provide safe facilities.”
Associated British Ports pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and was fined £750,750, with further costs of £9781.52. DFDS Seaways PLC pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) and 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and was fined £166,670, with additional costs of £9766.02. ICTS (UK) Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and was fined £500,000, plus £9338.82 in costs.
Since the tragic accident, a platform has been built for guards, along with a new gate and security system, walkways, and traffic lights.
Source: HSM, Three firms fined following security guard’s death, 3rd December 2018. Read the full article.