Worker hit by reversing vehicle illustrates the importance of NEBOSH courses

Category: NEBOSH National General Certificate
Tuesday 16th of February 2010

A worker who was hit by a reversing vehicle suffered life-threatening injuries, resulting in a fine for his employers.

Michael Gresty was struck by the van as there was no pathway for pedestrians clearly marked on the construction site, an accident which serves to highlight the importance of the guidance provided by NEBOSH courses.

The 56-year-old was helping to construct a track road at the Kingsway Business Park in Rochdale when he was run over by a reversing Ford Transit truck.

He then spent four weeks in hospital with severe injuries, which included a fractured spine and seven broken ribs. Mr Gresty also lost his left kidney and one inch from his height.

Carillion JM, based in Wolverhampton, was fined £185,000 plus costs by Manchester Magistrates' Court.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector Neil Martin said that if a simple pedestrian walkway had been identified, Mr Gresty would not have suffered serious injuries from which he will never recover.

The HSE states that it is the responsibility of the employer to identify risks and eliminate or reduce them from the workplace.

Posted by Adam Lewis

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