The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned employers to ensure their employees are properly trained in using workplace equipment. The warning follows HSE's prosecution of two companies after a worker was crushed by a truck in Hangar no.1 at the former RAF Cardington, Bedfordshire.

On 2 May 2003, Shane Neal, 34, from Rothwell near Kettering, was killed in an incident involving a forklift truck while carrying out work on the Building Research Establishment (BRE) site. He was crushed when the truck overturned while he was manoeuvring it in order to dismantle a fire test rig. The HSE investigation found that Mr Neal was not adequately trained to drive the BRE provided truck.

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Mr Neal's employer, Welwood Roofing Services Ltd of Corby (now in administration), were fined £50,000 and ordered to pay costs of £25,000, at Luton Crown Court yesterday (Sep 24), after being found guilty of breaching of section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

BRE in Watford was also fined £17,500 and ordered to pay £12,000 costs, after pleading guilty to breaching Regulation 9(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations1998 (PUWER).

HSE Inspector, Alison Ashworth said: "I hope this tragic accident makes it clear to employers that they need to take positive action to manage risks, particularly where the work involves using forklift trucks. Mr Neal's death could have been avoided had the companies involved carried out checks to confirm whether or not he knew of the dangers of forklift trucks and how to drive them safely.

"HSE will not hesitate to take action against those who fall short of the law in such a way."

(JM)