Chichester Magistrates imposed the fine on Pratt Developments Unlimited, who own Itchenor Caravan Park, after it pleaded guilty to an offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act in a prosecution brought by Chichester District Council.

A 71-year-old employee of the caravan park suffered four fractured ribs as a result of being run over by the dumper truck he was operating. On admission to hospital, he was found to also have suffered a heart attack. Defective electrical systems meant that when the employee climbed out of the truck, the engine was still running, which is not safe practice. As he climbed out, he accidentally knocked the vehicle into gear, which caused it to run over him.

At the hearing at Chichester Magistrates Court on April 2, Pratt Developments Unlimited was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay the Council's costs of £2,500.

The Council has been informed that the company has improved its health and safety procedures at the site.

Councillor Heather Caird, Portfolio Holder for Health at Chichester District Council, said: "The Council brings prosecutions against companies for health and safety breaches in line with its published Enforcement Policy. The Council always tries to work with businesses through giving advice and assistance. However, in certain cases, particularly if serious injuries have resulted from Health and Safety omissions, we will prosecute. We are pleased with the outcome of this prosecution which we believe reflects the seriousness of this offence.

"Companies cannot neglect their duties to protect their employees, because that is how serious incidents happen. The employee in this case continues to suffer from the effects of the injuries he sustained, and companies need to do all they can to prevent more incidents such as this."

---