Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court heard that on 22 March 2018, whilst working in Foulger Transport Limited’s hub warehouse, Martin Shepherd was struck by a moving forklift truck and knocked to the ground. Before the vehicle came to a stop Mr Shepherd’s foot became trapped under the wheel, breaking bones in the upper part of the foot.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Foulger Transport Limited, a part of the Kinaxia Logistics group of companies had failed to have in place appropriate systems to ensure that vehicles and pedestrians moved around the warehouse in a safe manner. Recent changes to the warehouse layout had not been considered in the company’s assessment of risk and the warehouse team were relied upon to work safely with each other without effective training and supervision

Foulger Transport Limited, of The Circuit, Snetterton, Norfolk pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1), by virtue of regulation 17(1),of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and was fined £20,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5,724.05.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Saffron Turnell said: “This incident could easily have been avoided had appropriate systems been put in place to suitably separate the fork lift trucks and pedestrians.

“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”