Welder hit by forklift truck, causing fractured ankle and broken elbow
An investigation conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety, has determined that Fablink UK Limited could have prevented the injury of a worker. David Lucas, a 45-year-old employee, was working in the company’s welding shop site when he was hit by a reversing forklift that was moving large jigs in and out of a welding pen. He suffered serious injuries, including a fractured ankle and a broken elbow.
During its investigation, the HSE found that the facility did not properly segregate pedestrians and vehicles. Additionally, Fablink was not adequately maintaining its vehicles, including forklifts, and the risk assessment for workplace transport was not suitable and sufficient.
Ultimately, the company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. For these violations, Fablink was fined £30,000 and ordered to pay costs of £6,104.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, HSE inspector Heather Campbell said, “This case emphasizes the dangers to safety from poorly managed workplace transport and plant maintenance. Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
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About the Author
Alexis GajewskiAlexis Gajewski
Senior Content Strategist
Alexis Gajewski is a manufacturing writer and editor with nearly 20 years of experience covering the people, practices, and technologies that keep industrial facilities running. For more than a decade, she served as Senior Content Strategist for Plant Services, creating content for plant managers, engineers, and maintenance professionals on a variety of industrial topics.
During her tenure, Alexis worked to develop the brand’s digital strategy and helped launch and produce Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast. She also created The Lighter Side of Manufacturing, a weekly blog that explored the inventive and sometimes humorous side of the industry.
Alexis co-founded Influential Women in Manufacturing, a recognition program that honored 49 women in its first two years, earned an industry award for Best Product Launch, and received a proclamation from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and a commendation from U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth.
She also led newsroom operations and development at a large media company where she set editorial standards, developed training curriculum, and helped support AI adoption for more than 150 editors across 80+ brands spanning manufacturing, industrial processing, automation, and more.
Additionally, Alexis works as a freelance writer and editor, and her areas of interest include continuous improvement, the skilled workforce, and the role of emerging technology on the plant floor.
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