Waste Company Fined After Unsafe Skip Stockpiling And Poor Vehicle Pedestrian Control

Brief Summary

HSE found that a waste and recycling employer had organised its yard in ways that put people at risk, including inadequate pedestrian and vehicle segregation and skips stockpiled in unstable stacks in areas regularly used by workers. The regulator had already taken enforcement action previously about similar risks, making the repeat failures significant. The employer pleaded guilty to two offences and was fined.

What Was The Incident?

HSE visited a waste and recycling site and observed vehicles and loading equipment moving around freely. Pedestrian access was controlled by chaining and padlocking the pedestrian entrance, forcing pedestrians to use the same route as lorries and other vehicles. There were no effective designated pedestrian routes or crossing points to separate people on foot from vehicle movements. Although a visual traffic plan existed, it was not visible to staff or visitors and was out of date because the site layout had changed, so it did not address key pedestrian movements such as access to toilet facilities. HSE also found skips stacked unsafely, with some deformed and piled three high in places. The stack height increased the likelihood of collapse or falling, and the skips were located in areas regularly accessed by workers, whether on foot or in vehicles.

What Was The Outcome?

The employer pleaded guilty to two offences and was fined £167,000 and ordered to pay £16,195 in costs. HSE had previously served improvement notices following a further visit after concerns were identified. HSE also noted there had been previous enforcement action, including prohibition notices served in 2019 related to stockpiling and risks of collapse.

Key Points To Consider

Provide effective vehicle and pedestrian segregation. Do not route pedestrians through live vehicle areas without proper control, designated routes, and crossing points so that people on foot can circulate safely.

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HSE Prosecution Link