HS2 contractor fined £400,000 after driver injured

A driver was injured when his 20-tonne tipper truck fell off the edge of a ramp. The truck fell around two metres, landing on the driver’s side. The driver suffered multiple injuries including a broken nose, and an injured hand and shoulder.

The HSE investigation found that the correct haulage routes had not been used and there was no edge protection in place to prevent vehicles from falling. The HSE also found that some vehicle routes were over excavations with no support and were at risk of collapse.

In its further investigations, the HSE found that the earthworks team had created a new traffic route to carry out works, exposing the unprotected edge.

The contractor pleaded guilty to breaching section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and was fined £400,000 and ordered to pay £8,974.