A Nottingham-based precast concrete panels manufacturer has been fined after a worker was injured loading a vehicle.

Unbrako Precast Concrete Limited, of Southfields Business Park, Harby Road, Langar, pleaded guilty to offences under Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, and Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

It was fined £26,000 with over £2,500 in costs.

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Nottingham Magistrates' Court heard how a contractor working for the company was loading freestanding concrete units onto a vehicle using a sideloader on 8 August 2014.

As he was unscrewing a lifting shackle, an attachment slid off the forks of the sideloader and struck the worker, knocking him off the vehicle.

His injuries included a broken collar bone, fractures to both shoulders and two broken ribs.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that there was an inadequate risk assessment and an inadequate safe system of work.

HSE inspector Lindsay Bentley said: "This incident was entirely avoidable had the risks been adequately assessed. The injured person should not have been near the moving sideloader or on the back of the trailer."

(LM)