Results in £800,000 Fine for Wine Company

Kingsland Drinks Ltd, a wine and drinks supplier based in Salford, has been fined £800,000 after a fatal incident involving a visiting HGV driver. John Fitzpatrick, a 59-year-old from Oldham, lost his life when he was struck by a forklift truck at the company’s depot. The devastating incident underscores the importance of comprehensive risk assessments, pedestrian-vehicle segregation, and clear safety communication, especially for visiting drivers.

The Incident:

On August 19, 2020, John Fitzpatrick was waiting for his trailer to be loaded at Kingsland Drinks Ltd in Irlam when he was struck by a forklift truck. Suffering serious head injuries, he tragically passed away in the hospital, never regaining consciousness.

Family’s Statement:

John Fitzpatrick’s partner, Paula Fitzpatrick, shared in a victim personal statement that John was a joyful and lively individual, known as the life and soul of the party. She emphasized the significant impact of his loss on their family, describing him as a hardworking man involved in various aspects of family life.

Investigation Findings:

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) conducted an investigation, revealing several failures on the part of Kingsland Drinks Ltd. The risk assessment was deemed outdated and inadequate, and there was a lack of pedestrian and vehicle segregation in the loading area. Visiting drivers were not provided with clear information about site safety.

Legal Consequences:

Kingsland Drinks Ltd pleaded guilty to breaching section 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act. During the sentencing hearing at Manchester Magistrates’ Court, the company received a substantial fine of £800,000 and was ordered to pay £5,614.30 in costs.

HSE Inspector’s Statement:

HSE Inspector Sharon Butler emphasized that the tragic incident could have been prevented with clear controls for visiting drivers. Companies with loading areas were urged to provide comprehensive information and instructions to visiting drivers while ensuring clear segregation to enhance site safety.

The £800,000 fine against Kingsland Drinks Ltd serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of prioritizing safety measures in the workplace. Employers are urged to regularly update risk assessments, implement robust segregation practices, and provide clear safety information to visitors. Tragic incidents like these underscore the devastating consequences of safety lapses and emphasize the need for a strong commitment to the well-being of all individuals on the premises.