A Preston steel firm has appeared in court after a working platform slid off the forks of a forklift truck and struck one of its employees.

The 50-year-old, who does not want to be named, fractured a rib, and suffered muscle and back injuries when he was hit by the heavy metal platform at EDV Reinforcements Ltd on the Redscar Industrial Estate on 20 January 2011.

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The company, which manufactures and supplies steel products, was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after an investigation found the platform had not been secured to the forklift, and instead was just resting on the forks.

Preston Magistrates' Court was told the truck was being used to lift a pile of steel mesh when the platform slid off. No one was standing on the platform at the time, but the injured worker was on the ground nearby.

EDV Reinforcements Ltd pleaded guilty to a breach of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 by failing to ensure the safety of its employees.

The company, of Longridge Road in Preston, was fined £7,000 and ordered to pay £3,566 in prosecution costs.

(CD)