Legal News

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prosecuted the national truck, bus and plant division of Volvo, after a worker fell and suffered head injuries.

On 17 September 2015, a worker was servicing a large delivery truck and repairing the driver’s access rope for the cab when he fell, striking his head and losing consciousness.

He was placed in a medically induced coma for two weeks and still suffers from ongoing complications, which mean he has been unable to return to work.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found the stepladder that the worker was using was damaged and its anti-slip feet were worn. The ladder was not Volvo property and had not been maintained or checked to ensure it was suitable for use.

At the time of the incident, Volvo UK had not trained their staff to select, inspect and use access equipment for work at height.

At Westminster Magistrates’ Court, Volvo Group UK Limited – of Wedgnock Lane in Warwick – pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and was fined £900,000 and ordered to pay costs of £5820.28, with a £150 victim surcharge.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Nick Wright said:

“This worker suffered life changing injuries that could have been prevented by simple health and safety precautions.

“For two weeks, his family was told to prepare for the worst, as he was placed in an induced coma to help manage the swelling on his brain.

“This case is not about banning ladders – on many occasions, they are the right equipment to use when working at height. It is about companies ensuring they properly maintain their work at height equipment – and train their workers on how to inspect them and select the correct tools for the job.

“As this case shows, even a fall from a relatively small height can have devastating consequences.”


Duncan Lewis Personal Injury Solicitors – No win no fee Head/Brain Injury Claims

Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors can advise those who have suffered head or brain injury as a result of negligence on how to make a no win no fee claim for compensation.

Head/brain injury claims have to be made three years after injury or diagnosis of injury – children can claim head/brain injury compensation up to the age of 21.

Duncan Lewis can also advise families whose loved one has sustained traumatic brain injury (TBI) or catastrophic brain injury as a result of negligence and who wish to claim compensation on behalf of their loved one.

For expert legal advice on no win no fee Head/Brain Injury Claims, call Duncan Lewis personal injury solicitors on 0333 772 0409.