A failed attempt to lift people using a telehandler and a makeshift platform has landed a £3k fine for a Northern Ireland contractor.

The platform had been raised approximately 5.5m when the platform was dislodged from the forks. The two workers were ejected from the platform as it toppled and fell to the ground. Both workers received numerous injuries as a result of their falls in the February 2011 incident.

SJ Anderson & Sons Ltd was fined £3,000 plus costs by Lisburn magistrates yesterday (17 July 2012) after pleading guilty to two breaches of health and safety regulations.

An investigation by the Health & Safety Executive (NI) found that the platform was not attached to the lifting forks at any time during the works, and that the platform was resting on the forks of the telehandler.  The investigation also revealed that the driver of the telehandler had not received appropriate training or instruction in its safe operation.