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PHW · Construction · 2026-07-14

Jim Yates & Sons Limited fined £20,000 after a dumper truck overturned into an unprotected excavation

Risley · Warrington Magistrates' Court

What happened

A worker reversing a one-tonne dumper truck on a construction site drove it into an unprotected excavation and the dumper overturned. The driver was not wearing a seatbelt because the company had instructed workers to disable the seatbelt warning system by fastening the belts behind their backs.

Injuries: Crushing injuries including a broken foot and ankle.

The breach

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

The sentence

  • Fine: £20,000
  • Costs: £4,824
HSE inspector

“Incidents involving workplace transport continue to cause death and life-changing injuries every year, and overturning remains one of the biggest risks when using dumper trucks.”

What would have prevented it

Never instruct workers to defeat seatbelt safety systems on plant, and protect excavations from vehicle incursion.

How PHW helps

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

Sector

Training and H&S evidence for construction sites

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Safety pack

Excavations and buried services

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Safety pack

Vehicle marshal (banksman and reversing)

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Machine

Forward tipping dumper

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Quiz

Could you show a site manager today, in writing, that each operator is authorised to use your machines?

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Source: HSE press release, Groundworks company fined after worker seriously injured when dumper truck overturned