A 61-year-old engineering manager was fatally injured when struck by a reversing LGV (Large Goods Vehicle) at a shared industrial estate in Birmingham.

The incident occurred as the victim was walking across a service road. The LGV driver was reversing without assistance or visibility aids.

The victim, David Saint, was a much-loved family man, survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and extended family.

KEY FINDINGS

Key findings from the HSE investigation:

• No suitable and sufficient risk assessment for workplace transport.
• Site rules failed to address LGV movement and reversing.
• No measures in place to eliminate or reduce reversing.
• No reversing aids (e.g., banksmen, cameras, sensors) were provided.
• No signage warning of vehicle movement hazards.
• No control over timing or access of LGVs to the site.

HOW COULD THIS HAVE BEEN AVOIDED?

• Conducting a comprehensive transport risk assessment.
• Designing site layout and operations to eliminate reversing where possible.
• Implementing clear site rules and traffic management plans.
• Providing reversing aids such as cameras, and audible alarms.
• Installing clear signage and physical barriers to separate pedestrians and vehicles.
• Controlling vehicle access and movement through scheduling and supervision.
• Ensuring all drivers and site personnel are trained in safe transport procedures.

AS AN LGV DRIVER:

• Follow site rules, traffic signs, etc.
• Raise any traffic management concerns with local site management and your supervisor.
• Carry out pre-start vehicle checks and ensure all safety devices are operational and in good condition.
• Don’t reverse unless you know it is safe, stop immediately if anyone is at the rear of your vehicle, particularly if you lose sight of them.
• Being struck by a vehicle continues to be one of the main causes of fatal and major injuries in the workplace. According to HSE, 14 workers were killed last year when struck by a moving vehicle.

HSE

For further details, refer to the HSE Press Release: Company fined after much-loved family man killed by reversing HGV – HSE Media Centre. This alert 'Contains public sector information published by the Health and Safety Executive and licensed under the https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/