Waste Company Fined After Unsafe Skip Stockpiling and Poor Traffic Segregation

Brief Summary

The Health and Safety Executive found multiple failures at a waste and recycling site, including skips piled up to three high in areas regularly used by workers and a traffic system that did not effectively segregate pedestrians from vehicles. The employer had not maintained its traffic plan and had previous enforcement history related to skip stockpiling. The company was fined and ordered to pay costs.

What Was The Incident?

During an HSE visit on 11 August 2022, inspectors observed vehicles and plant being driven around the site while pedestrian access was restricted, with pedestrians forced to use the same route as lorries and other vehicles. There were no effective designated pedestrian routes or crossing points, contrary to requirements to organise workplaces so that pedestrians and vehicles can circulate safely. The company had a visual traffic plan, but it was not visible to staff and visitors and was out of date after changes to the site layout, including failure to address pedestrian movements such as access across the yard to toilets. Inspectors also found skips stacked unsafely, with some deformed and piled three high in places, increasing the risk of collapse or falling. The stacks were located in an area regularly accessed by workers, whether on foot or by vehicle.

What Was The Outcome?

Following further visits after improvement notices, HSE investigated and found 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 of failing to fulfil duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act by putting people on site 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

Separate pedestrians and vehicles effectively. Make sure pedestrian routes and crossings are planned and implemented so people do not have to use vehicle routes, and ensure segregation is effective across the whole site.

Keep traffic management information current and usable. A traffic plan must be visible to those who need it and updated when the site layout or movements change, including routes to facilities such as toilets.

Control skip and load storage to prevent collapse and falling. Assess stability and loading conditions for skips, including deformation and stacking height, and remove or redesign arrangements that increase the likelihood of collapse or objects falling.

Avoid placing unstable storage in frequently used areas. Do not store or stack items in zones that workers access regularly on foot or by vehicle, unless the risk is effectively controlled and the arrangement is demonstrably safe.

Take prior enforcement seriously and act promptly. If you have previously received enforcement action or warnings about the same type of risk, treat it as a clear sign to review controls, address any gaps without delay, and ensure improvements are effective in practice.

HSE Prosecution Link