Waste Company Fined After Unsafe Skip Stacking and Poor Pedestrian Separation

Brief Summary

The Health and Safety Executive found multiple serious site management failures at a waste and recycling business, including skips piled three high in areas used by workers and inadequate segregation between pedestrians and vehicles. The employer had been subject to earlier enforcement action, yet similar issues persisted.

What Was The Incident?

During an HSE visit on 11 August 2022, inspectors observed vehicles and loading equipment being driven around the site without effective pedestrian separation. The pedestrian entrance was secured so that pedestrians had to use the same route as lorries and other vehicles. No effective designated pedestrian routes or crossing points were in place. Although a visual traffic plan existed, it was not available to staff or visitors and was out of date because the site layout had changed. The HSE also found skips stacked unsafely, with some deformed skips creating additional instability. In places the stack was three high, increasing the likelihood of collapse or a falling load. Skips were located in an area regularly accessed by workers on foot or by vehicle, creating a heightened risk to people on site.

What Was The Outcome?

The employer pleaded guilty to two offences. It was fined £167,000 and ordered to pay £16,195 in costs. The case followed earlier enforcement activity, including prohibition notices served in 2019 relating to stockpiling and risks of collapse. After improvement notices were served, a further HSE visit 11 days later confirmed the breaches required remediation within specified timescales.

Key Points To Consider

Provide effective segregation between pedestrians and vehicles. Plan and implement safe circulation so pedestrians have their own routes and crossing arrangements, rather than being forced to use vehicle access paths used by lorries and other vehicles.

Keep traffic management plans current and accessible. Ensure traffic plans reflect the actual site layout and pedestrian movements, and make sure staff and visitors can see and use the arrangements.

Control risks from stockpiled skips and falling loads. Take account of the size and weight of skips and the consequences of any collapse, including the effects of height and any visible deformation on stability.

Avoid placing hazardous stockpiles in routine access areas. Do not stack skips in areas that people regularly use on foot or in vehicles, since that increases exposure to falling or collapse hazards.

Act quickly after enforcement action and notices. If improvement notices or earlier prohibition notices have already highlighted duties, ensure changes are made within timescales and are verified on site rather than relying on outdated arrangements.

HSE Prosecution Link