HSE warns firms about vehicle safety

Plant hire companies are being warned to check the safety of vehicles after a Treharris company was prosecuted for hiring out an excavator without sufficient rollover protection.

Astra Plant, of Heol Fawr, were convicted in Aberdare court of breaching Sections 6(1)(a) and 6(1)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 for failing to carry out pre- and post-hire checks on equipment and provide the customer with inadequate information on how to use the machine safely.

Farmer Stephen Kidd was trying to level some land on his property when the excavator rolled over, trapping his leg and causing crush injuries to his foot and ankle.

Health and Safety Executive inspector Sarah Baldwin-Jones has warned other companies that they must ensure the people who hire their equipment are suitably able to operate it.

"Companies hiring out equipment like this need to ensure that those hiring it are competent and are using the right equipment for the job planned. This was a serious case and the failings could well have resulted in more serious injury or death to Mr Kidd," she said.

An excavator is an engineering vehicle that can be used for digging trenches, demolition and landscaping.