The loader’s arms fell when the hydraulic system lost pressure, crushing him against the vehicle frame.
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) prosecuted Hydraline Engineering Ltd, of Unit 33 Martindale, Cannock, Staffordshire, following the death of 46-year-old employee Mark Palmer on 7 March 2008 at Wells Farm, Bradley, Stafford.
Stafford Crown Court heard how Hydraline had failed to carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment, meaning there were insufficient control measures in place to stop the arm falling in the event of a loss of hydraulic pressure.
The HSE investigation also found Hydraline had given Mr Palmer insufficient training on the risks when working with hydraulic machinery. Instead he had picked up knowledge on the job.
Hydraline Engineering pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 3(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. It was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay £20,000 costs by Stafford Crown Court today.
HSE inspector Wayne Owen said: "It is a tragedy for Mr Palmer's family that his death could have been prevented if Hydraline Engineering Ltd had taken the time to properly consider the risks.
"When carrying out work under hydraulically-supported loads, it is vital that a thorough risk assessment is carried out beforehand and that suitable control measures are taken to minimise the significant dangers created by this type of work.
"Had the company provided a suitable load tested support device, this would, in conjunction with a safe system of work, have stopped the loading arm falling onto Mr Palmer - and prevented his death."
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