A serious workplace accident in a warehouse triggered urgent Health & Safety support for a Wiltshire logistics company who deliver global freight and cargo operations.
An operative had fallen from significant height, requiring hospital treatment and triggering a legal requirement to report the incident to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Safewell provides a retained Health & Safety consultancy service for the business. The company needed our expert guidance and support with the RIDDOR reporting process, with checks and reassurance that their existing Health & Safety arrangements were robust.
The Incident
At the end of a shift, an operative noticed palletised goods had shifted on the top level of a double-decker trailer. After finding portable ladder access was not high enough, a shortcut was taken and the operative was lifted on forklift forks to reach the pallet.
While attempting to push the load back into position while stood on the forks, the operative lost balance and fell approximately 2.5 metres to the ground below, sustaining concussion and severe bruising.
Safewell Solution
The company contacted Safewell immediately. Working closely with them, our H&S consultant provided the following:
Advice on RIDDOR reporting requirements and next steps
Review of risk assessments and safe systems of work relating to working at height and warehouse operations
Confirmation of the availability and correct use of suitable equipment, including ‘man‑up’ safety cages
Support with the internal investigation and preparation for an HSE site visit
Attended the HSE meeting alongside the client to provide professional representation
Our consultant also reinforced best practice, including the safe removal and re‑palletising of unstable loads rather than manual repositioning at height.
The Outcome
The HSE concluded that the company’s Health & Safety management systems were of a good standard and that no further enforcement action was necessary.
It was determined that the incident occurred due to a deviation from established H&S procedures – where H&S guidelines were not adhered to by individuals – not a failure of the systems themselves.
With Safewell’s support, the business successfully demonstrated compliance, strengthened operational discipline, and reinforcement of the importance of following safe systems – even at the end of a busy shift.
