Waste Company Fined After Unsafe Skip Stockpiling And Poor Traffic Segregation

Brief Summary

HSE found multiple health and safety management failures at a waste and recycling site, including skips piled three high and unsafe pedestrian routes that required people to use areas shared with vehicles. The case highlights the need for effective traffic management, visible and current site planning, and safe storage of heavy items to prevent collapse and falling risks.

What Was The Incident?

During an HSE visit in August 2022, inspectors observed vehicles and loading equipment operating around the site with no effective segregation between pedestrians and vehicles. The pedestrian entrance was secured, and pedestrians were directed to use the vehicle route used by lorries and other vehicles. HSE also found skips stacked unsafely, with some deformed skips, and the stack was three high in places. These skips were located in an area regularly accessed by workers on foot or in vehicles, increasing the risk of collapse or items falling.

What Was The Outcome?

After improvement notices were served and a further HSE investigation was carried out, the employer pleaded guilty to two offences. The company was fined £167,000 and ordered to pay £16,195 in costs. HSE noted the employer had previously received enforcement action, including prohibition notices in 2019 relating to stockpiling and risks of collapse.

Key Points To Consider

Ensure pedestrians and vehicles are genuinely segregated. Use designated pedestrian routes and crossing points that staff and visitors can clearly follow, rather than routing pedestrians through shared vehicle areas.

Keep traffic management information visible and current. A visual traffic plan must be usable day to day and updated when the site layout changes, so it reflects how people actually move around the yard.

Control heavy storage to prevent collapse and falling. Do not stockpile large items like skips in a way that increases instability, especially where items may be deformed and where people regularly access the area.

Review risks from reversing and vehicle movement. Where large vehicles must reverse or circulate within a site, consider additional precautions to protect people working nearby, not just basic site rules.

Act promptly and effectively on enforcement history. If the business has previously been warned or restricted for similar issues, take decisive steps to address the underlying legal duties and prevent repeat failings.

HSE Prosecution Link