A Church Broughton man has been fined after an employee suffered life-changing injuries when his quad bike overturned at a farm in Derbyshire.
The 42-year-old employee, also from Church Broughton, was driving the all terrain vehicle (ATV) along a track at Lodge Hill Farm, Barton Blount, on 9 June 2010.
The worker, who was employed by JD and RL Spalton, was rounding up sheep when the vehicle overturned causing him to sustain multiple injuries. The man was airlifted to hospital with a damaged liver, broken jaw and stomach wound. He also lost his right eye, and was in intensive care for more than two weeks. He has since returned to work on light duties.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found the vehicle was in a poorly maintained condition with defects to the tyres, steering and brakes. The tyres were overinflated contrary to the manufacturer's clearly identified recommendations on a warning sign on the vehicle.
The investigation also found that had a suitable helmet have been supplied the severity of the injuries to the man's head and face would have been greatly reduced.
David Spalton, a partner of JD and RL Spalton, was prosecuted at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court for failing to provide suitable protective equipment and failing to ensure that the ATV was properly maintained.
Mr Spalton pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 4(1) of the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 and Regulation 5 of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.
He was fined a total of £2,500 and ordered to pay £2,000 costs.
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