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A housebuilder has been prosecuted under the CDM Regulations after a worker was killed by a telehandler at a house build site in Glasgow, Scotland.

The employee had been using the vehicle to move scaffolding behind houses that had been partially built. The telehandler’s wheels went over the edge of the traffic route while it was reversing, causing it to slide down an embankment and overturn. The 44-year-old died from crush injuries at the scene.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Police Scotland found the company had failed in its duty to properly risk assess and introduce measures to ensure the traffic route was suitable for the telehandler. At Glasgow Sheriff Court the company pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 27(2) of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. It was fined £160,000 over the May 2022 incident.

Employers must ensure thorough risk assessments are conducted, especially when operating machinery on uneven or unstable terrain. Operators of heavy machinery, like telehandlers, need adequate training to handle complex tasks safely. Ongoing supervision can also help prevent misuse or mishandling.

Proper maintenance of work sites, including embankments and access routes, is vital to ensure they are stable and suitable for heavy machinery operations. Despite best efforts by colleagues and emergency services, the incident emphasises the need for robust on-site emergency protocols to respond swiftly to accidents.

Source – IOSH

HSCS Scotland Promoting a Healthier Workplace Through Safety
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