Co. Tyrone commercial vehicle company fined following serious injuries to employee
Date published:
Following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), County Tyrone company, Sean Kelly Commercials Ltd has been fined for failing to ensure the safety of its employees.
Today (3 March 2026) at Dungannon Crown Court, Sean Kelly Commercials Ltd was fined £14,000 after earlier pleading guilty to a single health and safety offence.
The Court heard that on 23 October 2023, an employee sustained serious injuries after becoming trapped between the trailer bed of a four-axle beavertail lorry and its rear wheel, whilst investigating the source of an air leak. The investigation identified that during the work activity, an airbag on the vehicle’s suspension system deployed, causing the trailer to drop. The trailer had not been adequately supported whilst the investigations were taking place beneath it.
Prosecutors in the PPS’s Fraud & Departmental Section worked closely with HSENI to build a robust prosecution case.
Speaking after the hearing, HSENI Principal Inspector Justine McIntyre said: “This incident could have been avoided. The employee suffered serious injuries, but the outcome really could have been much worse.
“When working with vehicles fitted with air suspension, vehicle ground clearance can suddenly and unexpectedly change with a drop in air pressure. This creates trapping and crushing risks, especially for those working beneath them. It is essential that these tasks are adequately risk assessed, a safe system of work is in place and suitable control measures are used.
“Such controls range from carrying out the work from a vehicle inspection pit to the use of suitable props including axle stands. Guidance is readily available to employers.”
Following the incident, an HSENI Inspector served a prohibition notice on the company. This notice prevented any further work from being undertaken underneath vehicles where there was a risk of entrapment without means of supporting the vehicle’s body.
HSE Guidance document HSG261- Health and safety in motor vehicle repair and associated industries, provides guidance on the health and safety issues faced by employers and the self-employed in vehicle maintenance and repair.
The guidance provides information on various means to carry out work underneath a vehicle safely. These measures range from carrying the work out from within a vehicle inspection pit, to the use of suitable supports including props and axle stands.
Notes to editors :
Breaches and fines for Sean Kelly Commercials Limited are as follows:
a) Article 4 (1) of The Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978; fine £14,000.
- HSENI is an Executive Non-Departmental Public Body, sponsored by the Department for the Economy (DfE).
- For media enquiries please contact HSENI Press Office on 028 9024 3249 or email media@hseni.gov.uk. For out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer on 028 9037 8110.