The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned of the need to ensure that the operators of equipment are suitably trained and risks fully assessed before they start work.

The warning follows HSE's prosecution of Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council after a dumper truck driver was injured when his truck overturned and landed on top of him.

Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council were fined £6,000 and ordered to pay £3,343.38 costs at Trafford Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to a charge under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 Section 2(1) that they failed to ensure the health and safety of an employee.

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The Court had heard that the accident happened in February 2006 when dumper truck driver Simon Nicoll suffered leg injuries after his vehicle overturned while carrying out landscaping work in Hollywood Park, Stockport.

"Anyone involved with workplace transport should be aware of the operational limitations associated with the use of plant and should not underestimate the risks of improper equipment use," HSE inspector Helen Fuller said.

She continued: "Employers have a duty of care to ensure that drivers are suitably trained; risks are assessed when planning work; and that adequate safety measures are in place.

"This prosecution should serve as a salutary lesson to those concerned with the operation of site dumpers and other workplace transport and act as a warning to prevent further accidents."

(JM)