The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned that companies face prosecution and possible compensation payouts if they fail to ensure the safety of their workforce.

Shorts Group of Ascot was recently fined under safety regulations after an employee sustained severe injuries in an accident.

The unnamed man, a demolition labourer, was working on a construction site in May 2008 when the skip-loading dumper he was on overturned. The worker had not received any training to use the vehicle and was trapped underneath.

He badly hurt his foot and the HSE took action against Shorts Group for its negligence.

Karen Morris, HSE Inspector, said: "Dumpers are involved in around a third of construction transport incidents, causing many deaths and serious injuries … we expect trained and competent operators at all times."

Safety regulations state that employers should make sure all workers are competent and fit to use all vehicles and machines at work.

By law, firms must give employees sufficient training in safety measures when they first start with the company and whenever they begin to carry out new tasks which involve risks.