Waste Company Fined After Unsafe Skip Stacking and Poor Traffic Segregation

Brief Summary

HSE found multiple health and safety failures at a waste and recycling site, including skips stacked up to three high with deformed skips, and ineffective segregation between pedestrians and vehicles. The employer had previously faced enforcement for similar concerns, making the case a clear reminder that traffic management and safe storage must be kept current and effective.

What Was The Incident?

HSE inspectors visited the site and found vehicles and plant being driven around the yard without effective control of pedestrian movements. The pedestrian entrance was chained and padlocked, forcing pedestrians to use the vehicle entrance route. There were no effective designated pedestrian routes or crossing points, despite the legal requirement to organise workplaces so pedestrians and vehicles can circulate safely. The employer had a visual traffic plan, but it was not visible to staff or visitors and had become out of date because site arrangements had changed. Inspectors also observed skips being stacked unsafely. Some skips were deformed, and stacks were three high in places. This increased the risk of collapse or items falling, and the stacking area was regularly accessed by workers on foot and in vehicles.

What Was The Outcome?

The employer pleaded guilty to two offences for failing to fulfil duties under the relevant health and safety requirements by putting people on site at risk of death or serious personal injury. The company was fined £167,000 and ordered to pay £16,195 in costs.

Key Points To Consider

Provide effective segregation between pedestrians and vehicles. Do not rely on physical barriers or access restrictions alone. Ensure there are designated pedestrian routes and crossing points so people are not funnelled onto vehicle routes used by lorries and plant.

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