Waste Company Fined for Unsafe Skip Stockpiling and Poor Traffic Management

Brief Summary

HSE found multiple failures at a waste and recycling site, including skips piled three high in areas used by workers and poor segregation between vehicles and pedestrians. The employer had an outdated traffic plan that did not reflect site changes and had previously faced enforcement action about similar risks of stockpiling and collapse.

What Was The Incident?

During an HSE inspection at a waste and recycling site, inspectors observed vehicles and loading equipment being driven around freely while pedestrians were forced to use the same route as lorries and other vehicles. There were no effective designated pedestrian routes or crossing points. The pedestrian entrance was chained and padlocked. Although a visual traffic plan existed, it was not visible to staff or visitors and was out of date because the site layout had changed, including key pedestrian movements such as access across the yard to toilets. Inspectors also found skips stacked unsafely, including some that were deformed. In some places the stack was three high, increasing the likelihood of collapse or falling. The skips were stored in an area regularly accessed by workers on foot or in vehicles, increasing the risk of skips falling.

What Was The Outcome?

The employer pleaded guilty to two offences under s33(1)(a) of the Act relating to duties to organise the workplace to protect people from risk of death and serious personal injury. A fine of £167,000 was imposed, with £16,195 costs ordered. HSE also served improvement notices and had previously issued prohibition notices in 2019 concerning stockpiling and risks of collapse.

Key Points To Consider

Ensure pedestrians and vehicles are effectively separated. Pedestrian routes and crossing points should be clear and designed so people are not forced to use vehicle routes, especially where heavy vehicles operate.

Keep site traffic plans current and visible. A traffic plan is not enough if it is out of date or not visible to staff and visitors. Recheck the plan after any change to the yard layout or pedestrian movement patterns.

Control stockpiling so unstable loads cannot collapse. Where stockpiling creates instability, such as deformed or over tall stacks, steps must be taken to prevent collapse and falling hazards.

Do not store dangerous items in areas people regularly access. Location matters. If workers regularly pass on foot or in vehicles, hazardous storage must be placed and managed so falling or collapse risks are minimised.

Act on repeat enforcement promptly and comprehensively. Previous enforcement, including prohibition notices, should be treated as a clear warning to address the underlying legal duties. Improvement actions must fully remedy the identified risks within the required timescales.

HSE Prosecution Link