16d (edited) • Human Factors
Lift Supervisor Killed by Reversing Telehandler
On 11 June 2023, a Lift Supervisor went to work on a large construction site in Ince, Ellesmere Port.
He never came home.
He was walking back to his work area from the welfare compound when an experienced telehandler operator reversed the machine and struck him.
The operator reversed without using a banksman.
The HSE investigation also found that the operator had been using his mobile phone while in control of the telehandler, despite having agreed to site rules prohibiting this behaviour.
Lift Supervisor suffered fatal injuries.
What Went Wrong
Telehandler reversed without a banksman.
Operator used a mobile phone while controlling the machine.
Site rules were ignored.
Pedestrian and plant movements were not safely separated at the critical moment.
A qualified and experienced operator made an unsafe decision.
Importantly, HSE found that a turning circle had been provided to reduce the need for reversing — and it was unobstructed at the time. (Construction Management)
Key Lessons Learned
Experience does not remove the need to follow basic controls.
If reversing requires assistance, use the banksman.
Mobile phones and moving plant are a dangerous combination.
Lift Supervisors, slingers and other lifting personnel spend significant time around cranes, telehandlers and deliveries.
They must never assume an operator has seen them.
A reversing machine can kill within seconds.
Court Outcome
Telehandler driver pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
On 11 August 2026, he received:
- 12 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.
- £800 fine.
- £2,000 costs.
HSE Principal Inspector highlighted that workplace transport remains a major cause of workplace deaths and warned operators against ignoring site rules or cutting corners.
Safety Recommendations
Separate pedestrians and moving plant.
Avoid reversing wherever reasonably practicable.
Use designated turning areas.
Use a competent banksman where required by the safe system of work.
Maintain positive communication between operator and banksman.
Never use a handheld phone while operating plant.
Stop immediately if visual contact or communication with the banksman is lost.
Supervisors must challenge unsafe plant movements, regardless of how experienced the operator is.
Incident Source
Real UK fatal construction incident.
Ince, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire – 11 June 2023.
HSE investigation and subsequent prosecution concluded in August 2026.
Regulatory Mapping
● HSWA 1974, Section 3 – Work activities must not expose others to health and safety risks.
● PUWER Reg. 9 – Plant operators require adequate training and instruction.
● PUWER Reg. 17 – Mobile work equipment must have suitable controls for safe operation.
● CDM 2015 – Construction traffic and pedestrian movements must be properly managed.
● Site Traffic Management Plan – Reversing arrangements, pedestrian segregation and banksman controls must be followed.
Key Point
He was an experienced operator.
He knew the site rules.
There was space available to turn.
But the machine was reversed without a banksman while the operator had also been using his phone.
One shortcut was enough to leave a family without their father and son.
No phone call, programme deadline or saved minute is worth someone’s life.
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Lift Supervisor Killed by Reversing Telehandler
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