Waste Company Fined After Dangerous Skip Stockpiling and Poor Traffic Segregation

Brief Summary

HSE found multiple failures at a waste and recycling site, including skips stockpiled up to three high and unsafe pedestrian access arrangements. The case highlights how poor segregation and unstable stacking can create potentially catastrophic collapse risks, particularly where earlier enforcement had already identified similar problems.

What Was The Incident?

During an HSE visit to a waste and recycling site, inspectors saw vehicles and machinery being driven around the yard without effective segregation from pedestrians. The pedestrian entrance was chained and padlocked, forcing people to use the vehicle route used by lorries and other vehicles. There were no effective designated pedestrian routes or crossing points. The company had a visual traffic plan but it was not visible to staff or visitors and was out of date because the site layout had changed, including routes to key areas such as toilets. Inspectors also found skips unsafely stacked, with some deformed and stacked in places regularly accessed by workers. In some areas the stack height was three high, increasing the likelihood of collapse or a skip falling onto people.

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 prosecution followed improvement notices and a further investigation, and HSE noted the company had previously been subject to enforcement action, including prohibition notices in 2019 relating to stockpiling and risks of collapse.

Key Points To Consider

Provide effective vehicle and pedestrian segregation. Organise site circulation so pedestrians are not forced onto vehicle routes, with clear designated pedestrian routes and crossing points where needed.

Keep traffic management arrangements current and visible. A traffic plan is not sufficient if staff and visitors cannot see it and it does not reflect the current yard layout and key pedestrian movements.

Control reversing and movements involving large vehicles. Where reversing and large vehicle movements occur, ensure additional precautions are implemented to protect people working nearby.

Prevent unstable stockpiling and stacking near work areas. Do not allow stockpiled loads to become unstable, including by stacking items too high or with deformed skips, particularly in areas regularly accessed by workers.

Use previous enforcement as a prompt for sustained improvement. Where similar risks have been identified before, ensure corrective actions fully address the legal duties rather than relying on temporary changes or outdated systems.

HSE Prosecution Link