Health and Safety Executive investigation into death at Portsmouth port continues

Dad-of-one Mieczyslaw Siwak, known as Mitch, was crushed by two containers at MMD Shipping Services at Flathouse Quay in Portsmouth August 25, 2017. MMD is now known at Portico.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched an investigation into the incident after the 34-year-old’s death.

The firm, which is owned by Portsmouth City Council, could face criminal charges if the HSE concludes there is blame over health and safety procedures.

An inquest took place in January last year with the jury reaching an unanimous verdict of death by an accident which came about through a number of contributing factors.

At the time HSE raised concerns about a driver’s view being ‘completely obscured’ when carrying a container at a low height to drop off a container on the ground floor, as well as drivers not using radios enough to communicate with people on the ground.

New equipment was bought in August last year as part of a promise during the inquest made to improve safety.

The new Kalmar reach-stackers are able to monitor driving styles, shocks and pressure points that can slow down the operation.

Mitch was originally from Poland but was living in Bognor Regis.