Recycling Company Fined After Telehandler Crush Injury

Brief Summary

A waste and recycling company was fined after an employee was crushed against a wall by a reversing telehandler. The investigation found serious gaps in risk assessment, vehicle and pedestrian segregation, and reversing visibility.

What Was The Incident?

On 12 March 2024, an employee was hand sorting and separating waste in a yard where a telehandler was operating. While the employee was standing by a brick wall, the telehandler reversed into him, crushing him against the wall.

What Was The Outcome?

The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. It was fined 24000 and ordered to pay 4777 in costs.

What Lessons Can Be Learnt?

Complete risk assessments for workplace vehicle operations. The HSE found no suitable and sufficient assessment was carried out. Employers should assess how vehicles are used in the same working area as people, and ensure controls are proportionate and effective.

Segregate vehicles and pedestrians in the yard. The company failed to segregate vehicles and pedestrians, leaving no physical protection from vehicle movement. Where vehicles and people work side by side, safe separation measures should prevent pedestrians being struck.

Provide refuges and safe places to work during vehicle movement. HSE said safe working practices could have avoided the injury, including pedestrian and vehicle segregation and safe refuges for workers while vehicles operate. Workers need a defined safe location when vehicles are moving.

Ensure reversing safety features are in place and maintained. The telehandler operator could not see clearly while reversing because mirrors to aid reversing were missing. Vehicle equipment that affects visibility should be checked, maintained, and corrected before use.

Do not rely on people to manage hazards created by transport systems. Employees frequently worked while vehicles operated alongside them, which regularly put them in considerable danger. Control measures should be designed into the system so workers are protected regardless of human error or distraction.

HSE Prosecution Link