Businesses have been warned to be aware of the warehouse safety issues concerning forklift trucks.

The Health and Safety Executive reminded of the dangers of unqualified staff using the machinery, after a Lancashire firm was fined following the injury of one of its workers.

Line Mark (UK) of Riverside Business Park, Rossendale, was fined £6,665 and ordered to pay costs of £2,052.82 by Rossendale magistrates court after admitting breaching health and safety legislation.

In July last year, a supervisor broke his leg after a forklift truck being driven by an unqualified member of staff reversed into him while moving materials around a warehouse.

Chris Smith, HSE inspector, commented: "This prosecution should serve as a warning to all companies to ensure that forklift truck drivers are fully trained and have the relevant qualifications."

Mr Smith also pointed out that 24 per cent of all workplace transport accidents involve forklift trucks, with a lack of training and poor supervision being cited as reasons for such incidents.

Recently, the HSE called on firms to ensure their workers are adequately protected from dangerous parts of machinery.