The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has fined JMP Wilcox & Company Limited £300,000 following a serious incident at its Beldray Works facility in Bilston, West Midlands. On March 23, 2023, a 42-year-old worker was struck by a telescopic handler while operating a ride-on electric pallet truck inside the factory.
At the time of the incident, the man was returning an empty cage in the ‘goods-in’ area after searching for stock with his supervisor. CCTV footage captured the moments leading up to the collision, showing the employee being hit by the vehicle, which was driven by another worker.
An investigation by HSE determined that JMP Wilcox & Company Limited had failed to properly manage workplace transport, including organizing the site to ensure the safety of both pedestrians and vehicle operators. The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was ordered to pay £7,732 in costs at Dudley Magistrates’ Court on 20 June 2025.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, Gail Bell, HSE inspector, said, “This incident highlights the dangers to safety from inadequate management of workplace transport. A man suffered very serious injuries due to the failure to put suitable control measures in place. These measures ensure people are kept safe at work and specifically prevent them being struck by a moving vehicle.”
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