A Wakefield company has been fined by the Health and Safety Executive for failing to keep a forklift in good working order.

On 28 May 2010, HSE found that a forklift at Traditional Slate and Stone Supplies of Horbury Bridge had not been properly maintained and that two sets of bearings holding the forks in line had collapsed. This put employees working around the forklift in danger. 

HSE found that, while the forklift had been repaired numerous times the previous year, the company's maintenance regime was simply to repair in response to breakdowns. 

At Wakefield Magistrates Court, 9 January 2013, the company was fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £4,138 in costs after admitting a breach of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

After the hearing, HSE Inspector Neil Hope-Collins said: "This shows the potential dangers of relying solely on fixing things when they go wrong. All machinery should be maintained regularly to ensure it is safe to work with and near. That means looking for signs of wear and tear before they lead to an accident."

Story from the HSE.