A Runcorn-based company has been fined £160,000 following an incident where a worker lost both legs. The accident occurred in June 2022 when 64-year-old Andrew McAuley was working at a warehouse near Warrington.
The incident has led to serious legal and financial consequences for the company, highlighting significant safety oversights that resulted in life-changing injuries for the employee.
Incident Overview
On June 20, 2022, 64-year-old Andrew McAuley was working at a warehouse in Appleton Thorn. He was an employee of a Runcorn-based company. While picking orders, he found himself working dangerously close to a forklift truck, which was in the process of loading pallets of slate tiles onto a truck.
This forklift truck was carrying two pallets. One was on top of the other, but the top pallet was not secured. When the driver turned the vehicle, both pallets slipped from the forks. The upper pallet struck Andrew McAuley, crushing his legs and resulting in devastating injuries.
Investigation Findings
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) discovered a lack of proper organisation in the warehouse area. Vehicles and pedestrians were not safely segregated. Loads were not secured adequately, thus creating a hazardous environment for all employees.
The investigation also revealed that the company did not have a safe system of work for loading and unloading activities. This oversight exposed employees to the risk of being struck by loads or workplace vehicles, like in McAuley’s case.
Legal Proceedings
The company, William Stobart & Son Limited, was charged with breaching regulation 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. They pleaded guilty to this charge at a hearing that took place at Warrington Magistrates Court on July 30, 2024.
As a result, the company was fined £160,000 and ordered to pay £4,478 in costs. Sam Tiger, an HSE enforcement lawyer, and Sarah Thomas, a paralegal, supported the prosecution.
Impact on the Victim
Andrew McAuley’s injuries were life-altering. He had to have both legs amputated below the knee. This left him dependent on a wheelchair for mobility.
Now unable to drive or climb stairs, McAuley required extensive adaptations to his home. The impact on his daily life and independence has been profound and challenging for him and his family.
HSE Inspector’s Commentary
HSE Inspector Lorna Sherlock commented on the case, emphasising its severity. She described McAuley’s injuries as “devastating and life-changing,” stressing that this unfortunate event could have been prevented with proper safety measures in place.
Sherlock highlighted the company’s failure to implement a safe system of work. According to her, this failure exposed employees to unnecessary risks, illustrating the critical need for adequate segregation of vehicles and pedestrians and secure loading practices in workplaces.
She added that workplaces must assess activities thoroughly and apply effective control measures. This would minimise risks associated with workplace transport, thus preventing such regrettable injuries in the future.
Conclusion from the Case
This case underscores the importance of adhering to health and safety regulations in the workplace. Ignoring such regulations can have severe consequences, as demonstrated by Andrew McAuley’s accident.
It serves as a stark reminder to all employers to prioritise safety. Implementing a safe system of work and ensuring that all employees are shielded from potential hazards can prevent similar incidents.
This tragic incident serves as a powerful reminder of the necessity for strict adherence to safety protocols in the workplace.
Employers must take proactive measures to ensure the safety of their workers to prevent such devastating outcomes. The case of Andrew McAuley illustrates the severe repercussions of neglecting these crucial responsibilities.