Royal Mail worker crushed by lorryRoyal Mail has been ordered to pay a £90,000 fine following the death of an employee who was killed by a reversing HGV at the group's Heathrow distribution centre.
Yard shunter Colin Smith, 57, was fatally injured as he attempted to remove the connecting lock between a lorry cab and its trailer in September 2006.
The incident occurred when a Royal Mail HGV driver attempted to reverse his tractor to line up with the trailer unit, trapping Mr Smith between the two vehicles.
Health and Safety Executive inspector Karl Howes said Mr Smith's death outlined the importance of implementing good health and safety practices in areas where HGVs and other vehicles are in use.
"In areas where vehicles are manoeuvring, employers have a legal duty to ensure that work can be done safely. Royal Mail's guilty plea demonstrates that they acknowledge the failings and since the accident they have put measures in place to prevent a recurrence," he said.
Royal Mail Group Ltd, based at 148 Old Street, London, was ordered to pay £90,000 and costs of £42,549.56 after admitting breaching section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 at Reading Crown Court.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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