Waste Company Fined After Dangerous Skip Stockpiling and Poor Traffic Segregation

Brief Summary

HSE found multiple health and safety failings at a waste and recycling site, including poor pedestrian and vehicle segregation and skips stacked in a way that increased the risk of collapse or falling. The employer was fined and ordered to pay costs, with the enforcement outcome reflecting previous history of similar concerns.

What Was The Incident?

During an HSE visit on 11 August 2022, inspectors observed vehicles and other machinery moving around the site, including tipper lorries and loading shovels. The pedestrian entrance was chained and padlocked, so pedestrians had to use the vehicle route used by lorries and other vehicles. The site did not have effective pedestrian routes or crossing points, despite the requirement to organise circulation so pedestrians and vehicles can move safely. Although a visual traffic plan existed, it was not visible to staff or visitors and was out of date after changes to the site layout, so it did not address key pedestrian movements, including access across the yard to toilets. Inspectors also found skips stacked unsafely, with some deformed and stacked three high in places. The height and instability increased the likelihood of collapse or skips falling. The skips were located in an area regularly accessed by workers on foot or in vehicles, putting people at risk.

What Was The Outcome?

The employer pleaded guilty to two offences under s33(1)(a). It was fined £167,000 and ordered to pay £16,195 costs at a hearing on 5 May 2026.

Key Points To Consider

Segregate pedestrians and vehicles so routes are clear. Ensure there are designated pedestrian routes and crossing points, and do not funnel pedestrians into vehicle circulation areas without effective separation and control.

Keep traffic management information current and accessible. A traffic plan only works if it is visible and reflects the current site layout and pedestrian movements, including access to welfare facilities.

Control reversing and movement risks with additional precautions. Where large vehicles must reverse, plan for the specific hazards and implement additional measures to protect people working nearby.

Prevent skip instability by managing stacking height and condition. Do not stockpile skips in a way that increases collapse risk, including stacking more than safe limits, using deformed skips, or placing them in locations where people regularly pass.

Treat prior enforcement as a warning to improve quickly. Where enforcement action has previously identified similar risks, ensure legal duties are addressed effectively and promptly rather than repeating unsafe arrangements.

HSE Prosecution Link