Grocery Supplier Fined After Worker Killed by Reversing HGV

A grocery wholesaler has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and fined £1 million following an accident in which a worker was killed by a reversing HGV.

The man and a colleague were making a delivery to a store when the accident happened. He was acting as a banksman…

Aug 11, 2025

A grocery wholesaler has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and fined £1 million following an accident in which a worker was killed by a reversing HGV.

The man and a colleague were making a delivery to a store when the accident happened. He was acting as a banksman while his colleague was reversing the HGV into the store’s unloading area. He became trapped between the HGV and a wall, sustaining fatal crush injuries.

An investigation by the HSE found that the wholesaler had failed to implement a safe system of work for vehicle movements. It had also failed to adequately assess the risks involved or provide sufficient training for employees acting as banksmen.

The wholesaler pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. It was fined £1 million and ordered to pay the prosecution costs of £11,950.

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