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PHW · Manufacturing and engineering · 2026-08-25

The Micro Spring and Presswork Company Limited fined £40,000 after a worker was struck by an unstable pillar drill

Redditch, Worcestershire · Kidderminster Magistrates' Court

What happened

A worker was struck by a 500kg pillar drill that became unstable during a forklift lifting operation. The lifting operation had not been properly planned by a competent person.

Injuries: Multiple rib fractures, twelve ribs broken.

The breach

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

The sentence

  • Fine: £40,000
  • Costs: £5,032
HSE inspector

“This was a serious incident which has resulted in significant injury and was entirely preventable.”

What would have prevented it

Plan lifting operations with a competent person and supervise them properly.

How PHW helps

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

Sector

Whoever is free takes the forklift. Could you show who is trained?

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Machine

Counterbalance forklift

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Quiz

Could you show an HSE inspector who is trained on your forklifts and grinders?

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Source: HSE press release, Manufacturing company fined after worker fractures twelve ribs in pillar drill incident