Waste Company Fined Over Dangerous Skip Stockpiling And Poor Site Segregation

Brief Summary

The Health and Safety Executive found multiple site management failures at a waste and recycling business, including skips stacked three high in areas accessed by workers and a lack of effective segregation between vehicles and pedestrians. The employer had also been previously subject to enforcement action relating to stockpiling and collapse risks, which made the breaches more serious.

What Was The Incident?

During an HSE visit on 11 August 2022, inspectors observed vehicles and loading equipment moving freely around the site. The pedestrian entrance was chained and padlocked, forcing people to use the same route as lorries and other vehicles. There were no effective designated pedestrian routes or crossing points to segregate pedestrians from vehicles. Although the employer had a visual traffic plan, it was not visible to staff or visitors and was out of date after site changes. It did not cover key pedestrian movements, such as access across the yard to toilets. Inspectors also found skips stacked unsafely, including some that were deformed. In places, stacks were three high, increasing the likelihood of collapse or items falling. Skips were also located in an area regularly accessed by workers both on foot and in vehicles, creating significant risk to people on site.

What Was The Outcome?

Following improvement notices requiring action within a specified timescale, HSE conducted a further investigation. This found the employer had previously faced enforcement action, including prohibition notices served in 2019 relating to stockpiling and collapse risks. The employer pleaded guilty to two offences under section 33(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 for failing to fulfil duties under sections 2 and 3 by putting employees, agency workers and other persons at risk of death and serious personal injury. It was fined £167,000 and ordered to pay £16,195 in costs.

Key Points To Consider

Ensure real segregation between pedestrians and vehicles. Do not rely on informal arrangements or shared routes. Design and implement clear pedestrian routes and crossing points so pedestrians are not forced to use vehicle routes, especially where reversing and vehicle movements are routine.

Keep traffic plans visible and current. A traffic plan is only effective if people can see and follow it. Review plans when the site layout changes, and make sure the plan addresses actual pedestrian movements and access points.

Control stockpiling risks from unstable skips. Stacks must be safe and stable, taking account of the size and weight of skips. Deformation and stacking height can increase instability and the chance of collapse, so stacking arrangements should be controlled and monitored.

Avoid placing hazards where people must routinely pass. Do not locate skip stacks in areas regularly accessed by workers on foot or in vehicles. Manage separation so that, if a stack fails, people are not within the likely danger area.

Act decisively after enforcement and improvement notices. If improvement notices and earlier prohibition action have already identified similar risks, treat the next inspection as a chance to demonstrate sustained compliance, not temporary fixes within a timescale.

HSE Prosecution Link