Tata JLR fined GBP 900,000 after worker loses leg in UK factory

LONDON: Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) was today fined 900,000 pounds after a worker lost his leg in an accident, described as "completely avoidable" by the court, at one of the company's UK factories nearly two years ago.

A trial at Birmingham Crown Court was told that the delivery driver lost control of his vehicle and crashed into another car at JLR's Solihull plant in the West Midlands region of England in February 2015.

The worker was crushed between two vehicles and his right leg had to be amputated.

"A worker has been left with life-changing injuries that were completely avoidable. It was only good fortune that prevented this from being a fatal accident," John Glynn, an inspector with the UK's Health and Safety Executive (HSE), told the hearing.

JLR has since introduced a buffer zone to reduce the risk of a similar accident.

The HSE said its investigation found that the company had failed to ensure that the driver of the Range Rover, who was covering the shift, was familiar with normal procedures.

The firm had also failed to separate workers on the production line.

Two other employees had suffered minor injuries in the accident.

Apart from the fine, the Tata Group firm will also have to pay 49,868 pounds in legal costs.

"Jaguar Land Rover is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all employees, and strives to continuously improve working conditions.

"We accept the decision and continue to work closely with the HSE to ensure that all reasonably practicable measures are in place to protect our employees," JLR said in a statement.