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

Brief Summary

The Health and Safety Executive found multiple serious health and safety failures at a waste and recycling site, including skips piled three high in areas regularly accessed by workers and ineffective segregation between vehicles and pedestrians. The company pleaded guilty to two offences and was fined, following earlier enforcement action.

What Was The Incident?

HSE inspectors visited a waste and recycling site and observed tipper lorries and loading shovels moving freely around the yard. Pedestrian access was obstructed by a chained and padlocked pedestrian entrance, forcing people to use the same route as lorries and other vehicles. There were no effective pedestrian routes or crossing points, and vehicle and pedestrian movements were not properly segregated. Although the employer had a visual traffic plan, it was not visible to staff or visitors and was out of date because the site layout had changed. It did not reflect key pedestrian movements, including access across the yard to toilets. Inspectors also found skips stacked unsafely, with some skips deformed and stacks three high in places. The height and condition of the skips increased the risk of collapse and falling. Some of the stacked skips were located in areas regularly accessed by workers on foot or in vehicles, creating a significant risk to people on site.

What Was The Outcome?

The employer pleaded guilty to two offences under section 33(1)(a) of the Act for failing to fulfil duties under sections 2 and 3 by exposing employees, agency workers and other people to risk of death or serious personal injury. The company was fined £167,000 and ordered to pay £16,195 in costs. Further enforcement action had been taken previously, including prohibition notices in 2019 related to stockpiling and the risk of collapse.

Key Points To Consider

Prevent skip collapse by controlling stacking and stability. Ensure skip storage is designed to prevent deformation and collapse, especially where stacks are three high or where the risk of falling could affect people who work or travel nearby.

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