While walking across the weighbridge to the site office at a waste transfer station, a 57-year-old operative tragically suffered fatal injuries when he was struck from behind by a reversing skip wagon.

The impact caused him to fall, and he died from crush injuries caused by the rear wheels.

KEY FINDINGS

Key findings from the HSE investigation:

• Control measures to separate pedestrians and vehicles were in place but routinely ignored.
• CCTV footage from the previous week showed it was common practice for people on site to bypass segregated pedestrian routes, with some seen climbing over barriers that were intended to keep them safe. Please click on the link to see video - WATCH VIDEO
• The company failed to monitor and enforce safe working practices.
• The company was fined £2.48 million.

The screenshot below is of CCTV footage seconds before the collision. The vehicle involved is reversing in from the left-hand side of the image.

HOW COULD THIS HAVE BEEN AVOIDED?

• Ensuring pedestrian routes are segregated / clearly marked, maintained, and enforced.
• Regularly monitoring and supervising site safety practices.
• Providing reversing aids on vehicles such as cameras, sensors, and audible alarms.
• Enforcing site rules and disciplinary procedures.
• Reinforcing safety culture through training, inductions, and leadership.

KEY REVIEW POINTS:

• Review and enforce pedestrian-vehicle segregation measures.
• Audit site safety culture and supervision effectiveness.
• Ensure reversing manoeuvres are minimised and controlled.
• Provide clear site rules and ensure they are followed.
• Induct staff and contractors on workplace transport risks and controls.
• Monitor and intervene when unsafe behaviours are observed.

Always follow designated pedestrian routes and report any concerns regarding site safety standards. As a driver, please ensure safety features including reversing aids are well maintained.

HSE

For further details, refer to the HSE Press Release: Biffa fined almost £2.5 million after worker crushed by skip wagon – HSE Media Centre

This alert contains public sector information published by the Health and Safety Executive and licensed under:

https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/