Warwick Crown Court heard that the commercial vehicles dealership had failed to provide a safe place for its staff to work – a failing that led to the death of Craig Stewart Dunn in January 2014.
Dunn, 44, was hit by an HGV whose driver could not see what was immediately (up to six metres) in front of him, as its front grill had been raised. He had been working outside Imperial Commercials’ workshop in Loxley Road.
The court was told this was not the first time this unsafe practice had been used at the firm’s Wellesbourne site.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE (Health and Safety Executive) inspector Mark Austin said: “The tragic, needless loss of Mr Dunn’s life could have been prevented had Imperial Commercials properly considered the risks from the movement of heavy goods vehicles at this site, and provided effective segregation of pedestrians from moving vehicles.
“Even though the vehicle that crushed him was travelling at less than 5Km/h, the size and weight of the vehicle left him no chance of survival,” he continued.
“Companies that work with vehicles of all sizes need to ensure that all pedestrians are able to circulate and work safely at their premises, at all times.”