HSENI | A County Tyrone company has been fined for failing to ensure the safety of its employees.
On 23 October 2023, an employee of Sean Kelly Commercials Ltd sustained serious injuries after becoming trapped between the trailer bed of a four-axle beavertail lorry and its rear wheel, whilst investigating the source of an air leak.
The HSENI investigation identified that during the work activity, an airbag on the vehicle’s suspension system deployed, causing the trailer to drop. The trailer had not been adequately supported whilst the investigations were taking place beneath it.
Following the incident, an HSENI Inspector served a prohibition notice on the company. This notice prevented any further work from being undertaken underneath vehicles where there was a risk of entrapment without means of supporting the vehicle’s body.
Sean Kelly Commercials Limited were found guilty of breaching Article 4 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 and fined £14,000.
Prosecutors in the PPS’s Fraud and Departmental Section worked closely with HSENI to build a robust prosecution case.
Speaking after the hearing, HSENI Principal Inspector Justine McIntyre said: “This incident could have been avoided. The employee suffered serious injuries, but the outcome really could have been much worse.
“When working with vehicles fitted with air suspension, vehicle ground clearance can suddenly and unexpectedly change with a drop in air pressure. This creates trapping and crushing risks, especially for those working beneath them. It is essential that these tasks are adequately risk assessed, a safe system of work is in place and suitable control measures are used.
“Such controls range from carrying out the work from a vehicle inspection pit to the use of suitable props including axle stands. Guidance is readily available to employers.”
