Waste Company Fined After Unsafe Skip Stacking and Poor Traffic Segregation

Brief Summary

HSE found multiple health and safety failures at a waste and recycling site, including lack of effective pedestrian and vehicle segregation and skips stacked up to three high, in locations regularly accessed by workers. The company was fined for offences after pleading guilty.

What Was The Incident?

During an HSE inspection in August 2022, inspectors observed vehicles and loading equipment moving around the site with no effective separation between pedestrians and traffic. The pedestrian entrance was secured, forcing people to use the same route as lorries and other vehicles. While a traffic management plan existed, it was not visible to staff or visitors and was out of date because site layout changes were not reflected in the plan, including routes across the yard to toilets. Inspectors also found skips stacked unsafely, with some deformed. The stack height was three high in places, increasing the risk of collapse or falling. Skips were located in areas regularly accessed by workers on foot or in vehicles.

What Was The Outcome?

Following improvement notices and a further visit, HSE concluded the company had previously been subject to enforcement action, including prohibition notices in 2019 relating to stockpiling and risks of collapse. The company pleaded guilty to two offences. It was fined £167,000 and ordered to pay £16,195 in costs.

Key Points To Consider

Segregate pedestrians and vehicles effectively. Use designated pedestrian routes and crossing points so people do not have to share the same circulation space as lorries and other vehicles.

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HSE Prosecution Link