The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned businesses of the dangers of vehicles in the workplace after two incidents involving forklift trucks at a North Wales food manufacturer.

Pann Krisp Ltd, based at Wrexham Industrial Park, pleaded guilty of two breached Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 for which it was fined £25,000 and ordered to pay £8,696 costs at Wrexham Magistrates Court.

Employee Percy Vaughan Guest was run over by a forklift truck resulting in both his legs being broken, leaving him unable to walk for almost two years. Another employee, Patrick Brindley was injured when the truck he was operating fell down a gap between a refrigerated trailer and a loading platform. Both incidents occurred in July 2005.

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HSE Inspector Stephen Window, said: “Both incidents demonstrated the clear need for employers who have vehicles in the workplace to have clear risk assessment and clear procedures in place for their operation.

“Incidents with forklift trucks are far too common, and they invariably result in serious injury. Where possible, pedestrians should be segregated from vehicles to minimise the risk of the two coming into, and drivers need to be trained – and if necessary regularly re-trained – on safe operation within workplaces.”

(JM)