Waste Company Fined After Unsafe Skip Stockpiling and Poor Traffic Segregation

Brief Summary

HSE found multiple health and safety failures at a waste and recycling site, including skips piled three high in areas used by workers and visitors, and a layout that did not safely segregate pedestrians from vehicles. The company had previously faced enforcement action and still did not put adequate controls in place.

What Was The Incident?

During an HSE visit in August 2022, inspectors observed vehicles and loading equipment moving freely around the site. Pedestrians were directed to use the same route as lorries and other vehicles because the pedestrian entrance was chained and padlocked, and there were no effective designated pedestrian routes or crossing points. Although a visual traffic plan existed, it was not visible to staff or visitors and was out of date because site arrangements had changed. Inspectors also found skips stacked unsafely, with some deformed and piled three high in places, increasing the likelihood of collapse or a falling load. The skips were located in an area regularly accessed by workers on foot or in vehicles.

What Was The Outcome?

After improvement notices were served and a further HSE visit took place, the investigation concluded the employer had failed to fulfil duties to protect people from death or serious personal injury. The company pleaded guilty to two offences. It was fined £167,000 and ordered to pay £16,195 in costs.

Key Points To Consider

Prevent collapse risks from stored loads. Where large items such as skips are stacked, ensure the stacking arrangement controls instability, deformation and falling risks, especially where people access the area regularly.

Segregate pedestrians and vehicles effectively. Organise site traffic so pedestrians have safe routes and crossing points and do not have to use vehicle routes, including when vehicles move around the yard and large vehicles reverse.

Keep site traffic controls current and visible. A traffic plan is not enough by itself. Make sure it is visible to those on site and updated to reflect changes in site layout and key pedestrian movements.

Act on enforcement and address repeat issues. Previous enforcement action relating to stockpiling and collapse risk should trigger prompt and effective corrective action, not a delay in improving arrangements.

Treat waste industry risks as high consequence. Be clear that where heavy equipment and high weight stored items are involved, the consequences of control failures can be severe, so robust measures are needed to protect employees, agency workers and other persons.

HSE Prosecution Link