Waste Company Fined After Unsafe Skip Stockpiling and Poor Traffic Segregation

Brief Summary

HSE served improvement notices after observing vehicles moving freely around a site where pedestrian access routes were not separated from vehicle movements. Inspectors also found skips piled three high in places, with deformed skips increasing instability and creating a risk of collapse that could have serious consequences. The employer had previously faced enforcement action for stockpiling risks, but failed to manage the hazards adequately.

What Was The Incident?

On 11 August 2022, HSE inspectors visited a waste and recycling site and observed tipper lorries and loading shovels being driven around the yard. The pedestrian entrance was chained and padlocked, forcing pedestrians to use the same route as lorries and other vehicles. There were no effective designated pedestrian routes or crossing points. Although the employer had a visual traffic plan, it was not visible to staff or visitors and was out of date because the site layout had changed, including pedestrian access across the yard to toilets. Inspectors also found skips dangerously stacked, with some deformed and piled up to three high in places, increasing the likelihood of instability and collapse. The skips were located in an area regularly accessed by workers, whether on foot or by vehicle.

What Was The Outcome?

The employer pleaded guilty to two offences and was fined £167,000, with £16,195 ordered in costs. HSE had previously served prohibition notices in 2019 relating to stockpiling and the risks of collapse. After concerns were identified in 2022, improvement notices were served requiring action within specified timescales.

Key Points To Consider

Ensure pedestrians and vehicles are effectively segregated. Do not rely on informal arrangements or shared routes where people can be exposed to vehicle movement, especially around reversing or turning areas.

Keep traffic arrangements current and usable. Traffic plans must be visible to those using the site and updated when site layouts change, including routes used for access to facilities.

Control risks from stored waste and equipment stability. Check stacking arrangements for suitability, including whether items are deformed or compromised, and prevent unsafe stockpiling in areas workers regularly access.

Treat stockpiling failures as potentially severe events. Where large and heavy items could fall or collapse, assume the worst credible outcome and apply proportionate controls to prevent people being in the hazard zone.

Prior enforcement should drive measurable improvement. If enforcement notices have already identified stockpiling and collapse risks, ensure the management system addresses the specific failings and prevents them recurring.

HSE Prosecution Link