Company fined after worker run over by forklift truck

Qube Containers Limited, is fined £30,000 after an employee was run over and dragged by a forklift. As a result, causing serious injuries to his ankle.

HSE brought the prosecution following its investigation of the incident on 11 December 2023.

Mr Addison was unloading cars from shipping containers at the company’s site in Ipswich. Working with the driver of the forklift truck to empty two small bins. These were filled with waste packaging, including ratchet straps and chocks. Therefore, needing emptying into a larger commercial waste bin.

The two tipping bins had been positioned on a pallet, being carried on the forks of the forklift truck.

Tip: HSE provides a range of guidance advice regarding lift trucks in the workplace Lift trucks – HSE.

The 21-year-old was standing on the pallet. However, as the forklift truck moved, some of the straps fell from the full waste bins, trailing on the floor and getting caught in the wheels of the lift truck. One of these straps got caught on his foot. As a result, he was pulled to the ground and the forklift truck drove over his foot.

Mr Addison remained in hospital for nine days. He required skin grafts on his left calf and behind his left thigh just above his knee. He also sustained a broken ankle.

Investigation Identifies failure to provide safe and suitable equipment

An investigation by HSE identified that Qube Containers Limited failed to provide equipment that was safe and suitable for the task and failed to risk assess the system of work for emptying the bins – which was found to be unsafe.

In addition, the traffic routes were not organised in a safe manner, and it was clear from the work practices on site that vehicles and pedestrians circulated in close proximity.

Qube Containers Limited pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. They were fined £30,000 and ordered to pay £3,752 in costs at Norwich Magistrate’s Court on 12 September 2025.

HSE Inspector said: “This injury could easily have been prevented. Employers introducing new processes should make sure they assess the work activity sufficiently and apply effective control measures to minimise the risk. There should be systems in place to ensure safety and the risk should have been considered and documented.”

Tip: Relevant guidance can also be found at Workplace transport – HSE