Waste Company Fined After Unsafe Skip Stockpiling and Poor Traffic Segregation

Brief Summary

HSE found multiple health and safety failings at a waste and recycling site, including skips stockpiled up to three high, damaged and unstable stacks, and poor arrangements for separating pedestrians from vehicles. Enforcement action followed, and the company pleaded guilty to offences before being fined and ordered to pay costs.

What Was The Incident?

On an HSE visit in August 2022, inspectors observed vehicles and loading equipment operating across the site, while pedestrian access was effectively forced onto the same route used by lorries and other vehicles. There was no effective segregation through designated pedestrian routes or crossing points. Although a visual traffic plan existed, it was not visible to staff or visitors and was out of date because site layouts had changed, leaving important pedestrian movements unaddressed. Inspectors also found skips stacked unsafely, with some deformed and the stacks reaching three high in places. The skips were located in areas regularly accessed by workers on foot or in vehicles, increasing the risk of a fall or collapse.

What Was The Outcome?

Following further visits and improvement notices requiring action within specified timescales, HSE found that the company had previously been subject to enforcement action, including prohibition notices in 2019 related to stockpiling and risks of collapse. The company pleaded guilty to two offences under section 33 1 a of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 for failing duties under sections 2 and 3. It was fined £167,000 and ordered to pay £16,195 in costs.

Key Points To Consider

Prevent vehicle and pedestrian conflicts with effective layout and crossings. Ensure pedestrians have safe routes that are not forced onto vehicle paths, and provide clear crossing points where needed rather than relying on informal arrangements.

Keep traffic management plans current and made available on site. A traffic plan must be visible to those who need it and updated when site configurations change, including routes to facilities such as toilets.

Control the risks of stockpiling heavy items such as skips. Plan for safe stacking and stability, particularly where items are large and heavy, and address the consequences of collapse or falling objects.

Remove or reduce hazards where people regularly pass. Do not store skips in areas frequently used by workers on foot or by vehicles unless arrangements genuinely keep falling object risks under control.

Act on previous enforcement and improvement notices without delay. If the business has already been warned about legal duties, treat further enforcement as a clear signal to review and close the same failures quickly and comprehensively.

HSE Prosecution Link