Volvo Group has been prosecuted after a worker from its truck, bus and plant division fell from a step ladder during maintenance work on a delivery truck.

The company, based at Wedgnock Lane, Warwick, pleaded guilt to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. It was fined £900,000 with over £5,820 in costs, along with a £150 victim surcharge.

Westminster Magistrates' Court heard how a company employee was servicing a large delivery truck and repairing the driver's access rope for the cab on 17 September 2015.

However, during the work he fell and struck his head, losing conciousness. He was placed in a medically induced coma for two-weeks. The worker still suffers from ongoing complications and has been unable to return to work.

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The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) carried out an investigation and found the step ladder being used was damaged and its anti-slip feet were worn. The equipment, which was not Volvo property, had not been maintained or checked to ensure it was suitable for use. In addition, Volvo had not not trained their staff to select, inspect and use access equipment for work at height.

HSE inspector Nick Wright said: "This worker suffered life changing injuries that could have been prevented by simple health and safety precautions. For two weeks his family was told to prepare for the worst as he was placed in an induced coma to help manage the swelling on his brain.

"This case is not about banning ladders, on many occasions they are the right equipment to use when working at height, it is about companies ensuring they properly maintain their work at height equipment and train their workers on how to inspect them and select the correct tools for the job. As this case shows, even a fall from a relatively small height can have devastating consequences."

(LM/MH)