Waste Company Fined After Unsafe Skip Stockpiling and Poor Vehicle Pedestrian Control

Brief Summary

HSE found multiple health and safety failures at a waste and recycling site, including skips piled three high in areas regularly accessed by people and ineffective segregation between pedestrians and vehicles. The company had also previously been subject to enforcement action, making the repeat nature of the failings a key factor in the case outcome.

What Was The Incident?

During an HSE visit in August 2022, inspectors observed vehicles such as tipper lorries and loading shovels being driven around the site, while pedestrian access was restricted by a chained and padlocked entrance. Pedestrians were forced to use the vehicle entrance route, but there were no effective pedestrian routes or crossing points to separate people from vehicles. HSE also identified skips that were unsafely stacked, with some deformed and piled three high in places, increasing instability and the likelihood of collapse or falling. The skips were located in an area regularly accessed by workers either on foot or in vehicles, exposing people to a serious risk if a skip collapsed or fell.

What Was The Outcome?

The employer pleaded guilty to two offences under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act. The company was fined £167,000 and ordered to pay £16,195 costs. HSE had also previously served improvement notices after a follow up visit, and enforcement action had been taken earlier, including prohibition notices in 2019 relating to stockpiling and risks of collapse.

Key Points To Consider

Separate pedestrians and vehicles in practice. A visual traffic plan is not enough on its own. Ensure designated pedestrian routes and crossing points are in place, effective, and actively used, especially where vehicles operate throughout the site.

Control reversing and moving vehicle risks. Where large vehicles need to reverse and pedestrians are nearby, implement additional precautions so people are protected. Avoid forcing pedestrians to use the same route as lorries and other vehicles.

Prevent skip and load instability. Do not allow skips to be stacked in a way that increases collapse risk. Check for conditions that affect stability such as deformation, excessive stacking height, and placement in areas where people pass or work.

Use site plans that stay current. If the site layout changes, update your traffic management arrangements. A plan that is out of date and not visible to staff or visitors will not support safe movement around the yard.

Act on prior enforcement and legal duties. This case highlights the need to respond fully to enforcement history. Where previous prohibition or other actions have identified risks, ensure the underlying controls are implemented and verified rather than repeatedly relying on interim measures.

HSE Prosecution Link