The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned employers of the need to make proper risk assessments to manage their employees' health, safety and welfare. The warning comes after an HSE prosecution resulting from the death of a Wirral lorry driver.

TNT Logistics UK Ltd of TNT House, Holly Lane, Atherstone, Warwickshire, was fined £120,000 and ordered to pay total costs of £28,184.75 after pleading guilty at Manchester Crown Court to breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

Lorry driver Derek Howe, aged 56, suffered fatal injuries on 15 May 2004 when he fell off a lorry parked at TNT's premises at Brinell Drive in Irlam. He was trying to help free a worktop on the back of the lorry when he fell approximately two metres onto the concrete yard.

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HSE inspector Richard Clarke said: "Mr Howe's death could have been prevented if TNT had taken appropriate precautions in line with health and safety legislation. Every year 2000 people are injured at work falling from vehicles.

"Falls are currently the second highest cause of fatalities and injuries in the transport industry. Even falling a short distance can be very serious, or even fatal.

"Employers and self-employed people operating lorries need to avoid the need for work at height on the lorry wherever possible. Where that is not possible, they must take measures to prevent falls. Companies should ensure staff are adequately trained in how to reduce the risks. Climbing on top of loads should be avoided wherever possible and permanent platforms or gantries may assist with this."

(JM)