A reach-truck driver who was crushed to death under racking at a warehouse had never received formal training. He died when racking at the warehouse collapsed.

It was likely that the deceased's reach-truck touched the racking where he was placing one-tonne sacks of metal powder. The racking then collapsed, crushing him. There had been no effective system in place to maintain the firm's racking. In addition, although he had gained experience in operating reach trucks over the years, he had never been given formal training in how to operate them.

The company pleaded guilty to two offences under s2(1) of the HSWA 1974 and was ordered to pay out a total of £30,000. They were fined £7,500 for failing to provide training in the use of a reach truck, and £7,500 for failing to maintain the racking. Costs of £15,000 were also awarded.

The case is a clear warning to other employers of the dangers associated with lift trucks in the workplace, and poorly maintained racking.

Proper training and safety procedures could have saved the deceased's life.

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