Security man operated forklift truck and inflicted severe injuries

A security guard has been prosecuted under S.7(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 for operating a counterbalance forklift truck against the express instruction of his employer and without any training.
While working during March 2005 at the Crown Point Site in Leeds, he was unloading a consignment of cardboard from a lorry when a 728kg cardboard pallet fell from the forks onto the driver, fracturing his pelvis, foot and ribs, and causing spinal injuries.
Leeds Magistrates fined him £250.

Comment:
"This case demonstrates all too clearly what can happen when an inexperienced and untrained driver gets behind the wheel of a forklift truck. Forklift trucks are used throughout industry for moving materials and goods. However, they are not a straightforward piece of machinery to operate and drivers require specific and thorough training.
Last year there were 70 deaths from workplace transport activities and around 2000 major injuries to employees. Forklift trucks account for around a quarter of these injuries.
No-one should be permitted to use a lift truck unless he or she has been selected, trained, and authorised to do so." - HSE investigating Inspector.