The HSE prosecutes firms where it identifies breaches of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated regulations. A Liverpool motor vehicle repair company has been fined after a car fell from a two-post vehicle lift onto a worker during his break.
The court heard how the man suffered multiple serious fractures in the incident at a garage in Liverpool on 23 November 2022. The mechanic was working on a vehicle which had been raised on a two-post lift. Neither swivel arm on one of the lifting columns was locked into position, and as he took a break, the car fell from the lift, crushing him and causing severe injuries.
The man spent four months in hospital because of his injuries. Almost two years later, he has been left highly dependent on his wife and others to carry out even simple daily tasks. It is unlikely he will be able to work again.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the company had failed to put in place a safe system of work or to sufficiently train staff in the proper and safe operation of the lifting equipment.
The company was found guilty by the jury of breaching section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. It was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay £20,000 in costs at a hearing at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on 25 June 2025.
HSE guidance on working safely under motor vehicles is available here.
In other health and safety news, last month the Health and Safety Executive launched around 1,000 inspections in motor vehicle repair businesses across Great Britain, focusing on the use of isocyanate-containing paints and coatings. The initiative aims to reduce occupational asthma among spray painters. Inspections will review compliance with COSHH, including ventilation, health surveillance, and biological monitoring. Non-compliance may result in enforcement action or prosecution.
If you would like support with risk assessments, staff training records or COSHH compliance, our Health and Safety module in HR Manager can help, and our legal team can advise via the Lawgistics helpline.
If you have any questions about your health and safety duties, contact the Lawgistics legal team.
Impression works with businesses across the automotive aftermarket supply chain such as parts suppliers, warehouse distributors, motor factors and independent garages. Covering all aspects of automotive aftermarket marketing, including social media, event management, customer newsletters and PR, Impression is able to quickly establish itself within a client’s business and work towards their objectives.
