Waste Company Fined Over Unsafe Skip Stockpiling and Poor Traffic Segregation

Brief Summary

HSE prosecuted a waste and recycling company after it found multiple workplace safety failures including skips piled three high, poor separation of pedestrians and vehicles, and traffic arrangements that did not reflect the site layout. The employer was ordered to pay a fine and costs, with the case highlighting that previous enforcement did not lead to improved controls.

What Was The Incident?

During an HSE visit in August 2022, inspectors observed vehicles and loading equipment being driven around the site with no effective segregation between vehicles and pedestrians. The pedestrian entrance was secured so pedestrians were forced to use the vehicle route used by lorries and other vehicles. Inspectors also found skips stacked unsafely, including skips that were deformed, creating instability. In places the skips were piled three high, increasing the risk of collapse or falling. Skips were stacked in areas regularly accessed by workers on foot or by vehicle, so falling skips could endanger people.

What Was The Outcome?

The company pleaded guilty to two offences under section 33 1 a of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. It was fined £167,000 and ordered to pay £16,195 in costs. HSE also noted the company had previously been subject to prohibition notices in 2019 relating to stockpiling and risks of collapse, and improvement notices were served after the August 2022 inspection.

Key Points To Consider

Segregate pedestrians and vehicles effectively. Do not rely on informal arrangements or barriers that do not work in practice; provide clear pedestrian routes, crossing points where needed, and ensure pedestrian access is not forced onto vehicle routes.

Keep traffic management arrangements current and visible. A traffic plan must be visible to staff and visitors and must reflect how the site is actually laid out, including pedestrian movements such as routes to welfare facilities.

Control the risk of collapse from stockpiled waste. Ensure stockpiles are stable and properly stacked, taking account of height, weight, and signs of deformation that can increase instability.

Manage reversing and movement around work areas. Where large vehicles reverse or where heavy plant operates nearby, consider additional precautions to protect people in the vicinity and implement them.

Respond properly to earlier enforcement and improvement notices. Previous enforcement and earlier legal action should drive sustained improvement; improvement notices require timely action within specified timescales to address the breaches found.

HSE Prosecution Link