Menu
28/05/2002
Gilbert-Ash (NI) fined for health and safety breach
Construction company Gilbert-Ash (NI) Ltd have been fined for failing to maintain adequate health and safety measures following a serious accident during the construction of a retail unit at Donegal Place in Belfast.
The accident occurred on May 8 2001, when a forklift truck was driven by an employee of the company onto an area of metal decking which was unable to support its weight. The forklift truck and driver subsequently fell five metres to the floor below, resulting in the employee receiving serious injuries.
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) prosecuted the company. Appearing in Belfast Magistrates Court on May 21 2002, Gilbert-Ash (NI) Ltd admitted to "not maintaining a safe system of work" and the firm was fined £4,000 and ordered to pay £177 costs.
Ken Logan, Head of HSENI, commented: "This accident could easily have led to another tragic death. The dangers of working with forklift trucks are well-known in the construction industry and companies have a legal duty to ensure that vehicle operations on sites are properly planned and managed. This includes having the correct precautions in place and ensuring appropriate supervision.
He added: "HSENI will vigorously pursue companies who disregard their health and safety responsibilities and where appropriate, this may result in prosecution."
(CL)
The accident occurred on May 8 2001, when a forklift truck was driven by an employee of the company onto an area of metal decking which was unable to support its weight. The forklift truck and driver subsequently fell five metres to the floor below, resulting in the employee receiving serious injuries.
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) prosecuted the company. Appearing in Belfast Magistrates Court on May 21 2002, Gilbert-Ash (NI) Ltd admitted to "not maintaining a safe system of work" and the firm was fined £4,000 and ordered to pay £177 costs.
Ken Logan, Head of HSENI, commented: "This accident could easily have led to another tragic death. The dangers of working with forklift trucks are well-known in the construction industry and companies have a legal duty to ensure that vehicle operations on sites are properly planned and managed. This includes having the correct precautions in place and ensuring appropriate supervision.
He added: "HSENI will vigorously pursue companies who disregard their health and safety responsibilities and where appropriate, this may result in prosecution."
(CL)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 April 2002
HSC launch sickness 'ready reckoner' website
The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) has launched a 'ready reckoner' for Britain's businesses to help them work out how much work-related accidents and ill-health are costing them.
HSC launch sickness 'ready reckoner' website
The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) has launched a 'ready reckoner' for Britain's businesses to help them work out how much work-related accidents and ill-health are costing them.
02 August 2002
Antrim company wins top UK safety award
Blackbourne Electrical Company, based in Antrim, has won a prestigious safety award from the British Safety Council - the Gold ROSPA Award. Only companies with below-average accident rates are eligible and they face a tough test in order to satisfy the independent Awards Panel.
Antrim company wins top UK safety award
Blackbourne Electrical Company, based in Antrim, has won a prestigious safety award from the British Safety Council - the Gold ROSPA Award. Only companies with below-average accident rates are eligible and they face a tough test in order to satisfy the independent Awards Panel.
09 July 2002
Bereaved families call for changes to safety laws
Families bereaved and injured from work-related deaths and disasters have called for tougher enforcement of health and safety laws at a conference held by the TUC and the Centre for Corporate Accountability (CCA).
Bereaved families call for changes to safety laws
Families bereaved and injured from work-related deaths and disasters have called for tougher enforcement of health and safety laws at a conference held by the TUC and the Centre for Corporate Accountability (CCA).
28 January 2020
Antrim Truck Dealer To Raise £50k For Children's Hospice
A Co Antrim truck dealer is celebrating 50 years in business by pledging to raise £50,000 for charity. Dennison Commercials will mark its golden anniversary with a series of fundraising events for the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice.
Antrim Truck Dealer To Raise £50k For Children's Hospice
A Co Antrim truck dealer is celebrating 50 years in business by pledging to raise £50,000 for charity. Dennison Commercials will mark its golden anniversary with a series of fundraising events for the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice.
26 April 2002
NI urged to enter National Safety Awards scheme
The British Safety Council is inviting businesses and organisations in Northern Ireland to enter its National Safety Awards scheme. Six organisations in Northern Ireland are in line for awards with applications invited from large and small enterprises, and from public and private sectors. Last year more than 1,000 organisations were honoured.
NI urged to enter National Safety Awards scheme
The British Safety Council is inviting businesses and organisations in Northern Ireland to enter its National Safety Awards scheme. Six organisations in Northern Ireland are in line for awards with applications invited from large and small enterprises, and from public and private sectors. Last year more than 1,000 organisations were honoured.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy start with scattered showers, the showers becoming more isolated and largely confined to the south this morning. Becoming brighter this afternoon, the best of any sunnier spells across northern counties. Northerly winds easing. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
