Enfield firm fined for faking forklift truck safety record04 September 2014

A North London meat wholesalers has been sentenced for operating a faulty forklift truck and attempting to deceive safety inspectors by forging a good examination report.

MIB United Meat, of Enfield, Middlesex, was prosecuted by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) at Westminster Magistrates' Court after admitting three breaches of safety legislation.

The court heard that during a routine health and safety inspection, an HSE inspector asked to see the vehicle examination records for the company's 2.5-tonne counterbalance forklift truck.

A document was later emailed to the inspector but appeared to be – and was later proven to be – a fraud.

HSE found the forklift truck had never been examined, as required by law, since being purchased in August 2011.

A mechanical inspector from HSE, who examined the forklift in April 2013, found more than 40 faults, including some that could have endangered its operator.

MIB was fined £18,000 and ordered to pay £2,314 in full costs for single breaches of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations) and LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations).

"MIB was required by law to make sure its forklift truck was maintained regularly and properly examined to allow the identification of safety-critical defects," comments HSE inspector Tahir Mortuza.

"It failed to do this and the vehicle was allowed to deteriorate to the point of being riddled with faults.

"It compounded this failure with a blatant attempt to deceive HSE by forging documentation purporting to be an examination record.

"This is a serious offence and demonstrates that the company was willing to expose its employees to the risk of serious injury or even death."

Brian Tinham

Related Companies
Health & Safety Executive

This material is protected by MA Business copyright
See Terms and Conditions.
One-off usage is permitted but bulk copying is not.
For multiple copies contact the sales team.