We’ve all heard of horror stories about incidents happening in construction sites due to negligence, or safety protocols not being followed.

Here’s another one to teach us a solemn lesson about workplace safety.

Forklift Operator Jailed After Running Over Colleague’s Legs with Forklift 

On Tuesday (6 July), 34-year-old Periyasamy Vivek was sentenced to two weeks’ jail after running over his co-worker’s legs with a forklift, which eventually resulted in them having to be amputated.

The 34-year-old India national, who was employed as a supervisor by marine and offshore engineering group Sembcorp Marine, had pleaded guilty to one count of causing grievous hurt by a negligent act on 23 March last year.

The victim, 36-year-old India national Sevugaperumal Balamurugan, worked for a subcontractor of Sembcorp Marine and operated a hydro jetting machine, while the accused worked as a forklift operator.

Both had been working at a Sembcorp Marine worksite at 80 Tuas South Boulevard when the incident took place on 23 March last year.

According to Today, Periyasamy had been tasked with shifting concrete blocks that reached weighed 5,000kg.

He had loaded one such concrete block and some wooden wedges onto the forklift, which obscured his frontal vision while he was in the driver’s seat. The accused then proceeded to move in reverse while keeping a lookout.

However, Periyasamy then went against safety protocol by moving forward after he realised that he would hit some paint cans if he reversed further.

At that time, Mr Sevugaperumal had been walking across the open space of the dry dock in front of the forklift in order to get to the toilet. He had allegedly noticed Periyasamy moving slowly but picking up speed soon after.

Noticing the forklift’s pick up in speed, Mr Sevugaperumal then tried to take a step back but did not manage to avoid the forklift in time. He fell after the concrete block loaded onto the forklift collided into his left hip.

Although Periyasamy had applied the brakes, the forklift did not stop immediately due to its load. This caused the wheels of the forklift to run over both of Mr Sevugaperumal’s legs before it came to a stop.

As a forklift operator, Periyasamy was required to keep a safe distance from others to ensure that the forklift could be brought to a safe stop at any time, taking into account its load. He also was required to pay attention to his operating environment at all times.

Victim’s Injuries

Mr Sevugaperumal was taken to Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, after which he was transferred to the National University Hospital (NUH) due to his severe injuries.

He had sustained multiple fractures, and eventually had to undergo surgery to have his legs amputated. Mr Sevugaperumal had to be hospitalised at NUH for 11 days.

According to Today, he was later fitted with prosthetics and can walk with mobility aids.

Periyasamy, who was unrepresented in court, pleaded through an interpreter for a lighter sentence. In mitigation, he said that he was his family’s sole breadwinner and was “facing significant debts”.

“I didn’t do it on purpose; I was only going forward a short distance. As much as the fault lies with me, the victim could have also stopped and not gone ahead,” he added.

“In any case I’m praying for a lighter sentence and, if possible, a fine so I can go back home as soon as possible,” Periyasamy said.

For causing grievous hurt by a negligent act, an offender can be jailed for up to two years or fined up to S$5,000, or both.

Featured Image: Roman Zaiets/ shutterstock.com