Firm fined after worker run over by digger

A construction company has been fined after a worker suffered multiple injuries when he was run over by a seven tonne digger in Mansfield.

Michael Tomlinson suffered multiple injuries, including a ruptured bladder and fractured wrist, in the incident at a construction site in 2010.

Mansfield Magistrates' Court heard that he was working as a groundworker for the company to prepare the foundations for a supermarket.

A reversing digger struck Mr Tomlinson after the driver failed to notice him behind the vehicle. He took the full impact of the tracks as they knocked him to the ground and crushed him underneath.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the company had failed to ensure that workers were safely segregated from moving vehicles while work was being carried out. It was fined £15,000 with costs of £6,447.

After the hearing HSE Inspector Nic Rigby said:

"This incident was entirely preventable, and Mr Tomlinson could have avoided serious and painful injuries had work at the site been better managed.

"Those in charge of construction sites must ensure that pedestrians and vehicles are effectively and safely segregated. There is clear guidance on how to achieve this and ensure incidents of this kind can be avoided."