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PHW · Forklift and plant · 2026-04-15

BA Mobile Fleet Services Limited fined £30,000 after a worker's leg was amputated when falling concrete blocks trapped it

Redditch, Worcestershire · Kidderminster Magistrates Court

What happened

A worker was inside an HGV box trailer being loaded with one-tonne concrete blocks for a brake test when an untrained and unauthorised forklift operator nudged the stack. The blocks toppled onto the worker's legs.

Injuries: Severe leg injuries requiring amputation of the left foot and lower leg, and serious injuries to the right leg; the worker was later dismissed from employment.

The breach

Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

The sentence

  • Fine: £30,000
  • Costs: £4,325
HSE inspector

“The injuries sustained here by this young man have been truly life-changing.”

What would have prevented it

Only trained and authorised operators should be permitted to operate forklift trucks.

How PHW helps

The machines, packs and quizzes that fit this kind of site.

Sector

Operator training for plant hire companies and their customers

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Safety pack

Concrete, cement and mortar

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Machine

Counterbalance forklift

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Quiz

When a machine goes out, does the hiring customer's operator have written authorisation on file?

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Source: HSE press release, Company fined after worker crushed by one-tonne block while inside HGV trailer