An Isle of Wight garage has been fined because an employee suffered life changing injuries after falling into a vehicle inspection pit.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found GP Motors Works Ltd, which was on Embankment Road, Bembridge, failed to ensure the pit had any physical measures, such as barriers or pit covers, in place to prevent a person falling into it.

Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court heard that on September 3, 2018, an employee of GP Motors Works Ltd fell into a vehicle inspection pit more than five feet deep, whilst carrying out mechanical repairs to a nearby vehicle.

The employee sustained serious head and shoulder injuries, which required surgery, the HSE said.

The vehicle inspection pit was partially covered with a small vehicle, leaving around seven feet of the pit uncovered, without any other measures in place to prevent exposing employees to an unnecessary fall risk.

GP Motor Works Ltd of Embankment Road, Bembridge pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

The business was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay costs of £10,000.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Kate Clark said: “Serious injuries or death can be prevented if basic safeguards such as barriers or pit covers are put in place. There is clear guidance for garages about vehicle inspection pits.”