Transport firm fined after worker loses arm

An East Yorkshire transport and storage company has been fined £200,000 after a worker suffered injuries leading to the loss of an arm.

A lorry driver from Goole-based H Walton was delivering wheat to a farm in Ripon when it tipped onto the floor of a shed through the open rear door of the trailer.

While walking to the rear of the trailer, the driver lost his footing in a heap of the tipped grain and put his hand out to steady himself when his left arm came into contact with a rotating auger and was drawn in.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that a crucial interlocking device was not functioning at the time of the incident, allowing the auger to run when the tailgate was open.

It also found that the emergency stop device for the discharge mechanism failed to function, as it was operated through the same circuitry.

H Walton of Old Goole Mill was also ordered to pay £531.40 in costs on top of the £200,000 fine.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Julian Franklin said: “The driver’s injuries are life changing. The trailer was fitted with a safety system to prevent exactly this type of incident; it could so easily have been avoided by simply carrying out regular checks to ensure safety devices and systems remain working.

“This is something that many hauliers already do as part of their vehicle checks.”