Forty-nine year old Raymond Lainsbury suffered injuries that still require regular physiotherapy sessions following the incident on 12 February 2016.

Worcester Magistrates’ Court heard how Hoo Farm Fencing’s method of working was unsuitable for the task they were carrying out at the time of the incident.

Lainsbury was helping to dip timber posts and frames in preservative, when they fell from the metal frame on the fork lift truck, striking him.

An HSE investigation found that the company had not been using the suitable equipment for the task.

The operator had not been properly trained to operate a fork lift truck. The company also failed to have the fork lift truck in question thoroughly examined up to required standards.

Maurice James Blackford of Stourport, Kidderminster pled guilty to safety breaches as did Susan Hawthorne of Hartlebury Road.

Both were sentenced to 18 weeks imprisonment suspended for two years and fined £10,000 each.

Full Prosecution costs of £4318 split between the two defendants, were awarded to the HSE.

Speaking after the hearing HSE inspector Tariq Khan said “The seriousness of the safety failings could have resulted in much more severe injuries to Mr Lainsbury who was lucky to walk away from this incident.

“This case highlights the importance of maintaining proper safety practices and also all duty holders will be held accountable for failing to do so.”