Waste Company Fined After Unsafe Skip Stacking and Poor Site Traffic Segregation

Brief Summary

The Health and Safety Executive found multiple failures at a waste and recycling site, including lack of effective segregation between vehicles and pedestrians and skips stacked in a way that increased the risk of collapse. The employer had previously received enforcement action, making the continued risks more serious.

What Was The Incident?

During an HSE visit on 11 August 2022, inspectors observed vehicles and vehicles with attachments being driven around the site without effective separation from pedestrians. The pedestrian entrance was chained and padlocked, forcing pedestrians to use the vehicle route used by tipper lorries and other vehicles. There were no effective designated pedestrian routes or crossing points. Inspectors also found skips stacked unsafely, with some deformed. In some areas the skips were piled three high, which increased the likelihood of collapse or falling. The stacking was in an area regularly accessed by workers either on foot or by vehicle, creating a heightened risk to people on site. Although the company had a visual traffic plan, it was not visible to staff or visitors and was out of date because the site configuration had changed since the plan was produced. It did not address key pedestrian movements, including access across the yard to toilets. Following improvement notices, HSE carried out a further investigation 11 days later and found the company had previously been subject to prohibition notices in 2019 related to stockpiling and risks of collapse.

What Was The Outcome?

The company pleaded guilty to two offences under s33(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, failing to meet duties under Sections 2 and 3 by putting employees, agency workers and other persons at risk of death and or serious personal injury. It was fined £167,000 and ordered to pay £16,195 in costs.

Key Points To Consider

Prevent pedestrians and vehicles sharing the same space. Ensure there is effective segregation using designated pedestrian routes and crossing points so people are not forced onto vehicle routes, especially where vehicles circulate freely.

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HSE Prosecution Link