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PHW · Construction · 2026-08-11

A self-employed telehandler operator in Ince, Ellesmere Port fined £800 after a lift supervisor was fatally struck by a reversing telehandler

Ince, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire · Warrington Magistrates' Court

What happened

A telehandler operator reversed over a lift supervisor who was walking back from the welfare compound on a construction site. The driver did not see the supervisor before reversing.

Injuries: Fatal injuries.

The breach

Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

The sentence

  • Fine: £800
  • Costs: £2,000
  • Other sentence: 12 weeks' imprisonment suspended for 12 months
HSE inspector

“Workplace transport incidents remain one of the biggest causes of deaths in the workplace.”

What would have prevented it

Plant operators must follow site rules and keep a proper lookout when reversing.

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

Vehicle marshal (banksman and reversing)

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Safety pack

Construction Site Safety

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Machine

Telescopic handler

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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, Telehandler driver sentenced over death of colleague