Waste Company Fined After Unsafe Skip Stacking and Poor Traffic Management

Brief Summary

The Health and Safety Executive found multiple failures at a waste and recycling site, including skips stacked three high in areas that workers and others regularly accessed and ineffective segregation between vehicles and pedestrians. The case highlights the need for safe site organisation, up to date traffic planning and effective controls to prevent collapse and vehicle pedestrian incidents.

What Was The Incident?

On inspection in August 2022, the regulator observed vehicles and plant being driven around the site, while pedestrian access was restricted by a chained and padlocked entrance that effectively forced pedestrians to use the vehicle route used by lorries and other vehicles. There was no effective segregation using 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 Although a visual traffic plan existed, it was not visible to staff or visitors and was out of date because site layout had changed, including pedestrian movement to toilets. Inspectors also found skips stacked unsafely, with some deformed, increasing instability. In places the stack was three high, raising the likelihood of collapse or a skip falling. The skips were located in an area regularly accessed by workers on foot or in vehicles.

What Was The Outcome?

Following improvement notices requiring specific remedial actions, the HSE investigation found the employer had previously been subject to enforcement action, including prohibition notices served in 2019 for stockpiling and risks of collapse. The employer pleaded guilty to two offences under section 33(1)(a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act. It was fined £167,000 and ordered to pay £16,195 in costs.

Key Points To Consider

Ensure pedestrians and vehicles are effectively separated. Organise circulation so people on foot have clear pedestrian routes and crossing points, and do not force pedestrians to use lorry routes simply because other entrances are closed.

Keep traffic management plans visible and current. A visual plan is not enough if it is not accessible to staff or visitors, and it must be updated when site configuration changes, including how people move to key areas such as toilets.

Control the risks from stockpiling heavy items. Where skips or similar loads are stacked, consider the stability and consequences of collapse, and reduce risks especially in areas workers regularly access on foot or by vehicle.

Act quickly on repeat enforcement themes. Prior enforcement action does not remove the duty to improve; if earlier prohibition notices were served for related concerns, the business must ensure the same risks are not allowed to recur.

Use improvement notice findings to deliver real changes. When improvement notices require action, ensure the timescales are met with practical site changes that address the specific breaches found, not just administrative follow up.

HSE Prosecution Link