A worker was struck by a vehicle at metals recycling company, landing the company a £1.2m fine from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The collision took place on the 10th of August 2020 at CF Booth Limited in Rotherham, when an employee was passing through the site yard on foot and subsequently struck by a 32-tonne wagon.
The worker was not wearing a high-vis jacket at the time of the collision, and he did not see the wagon as it approached. The skip wagon driver did not see the other employee crossing the yard due to performing a manoeuvre around low-level skips placed in the yard at the time.
As a result of the collision, the worker suffered a fractured skull and two collar bone fractures, though thankfully he eventually made a full recovery.
A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation ensued, and it found that the site was not safely organised at the time of the incident, in order to allow pedestrians and vehicles to operate with benefit of proper risk assessment.
A workplace must be safe for all staff and site visitors, and traffic routes must be able to safely allow passage for both vehicles and people. Therefore, employers have a duty of care to ensure that all possible measures have been implemented to ensure this safety.
CF Booth Limited was fined £1.2 million with costs of £5,694.85 by Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on the 25th of April 2024, after pleading guilty to a breach of Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
HSE inspector Kirstie Durrans stated:
“If CF Booth Limited had assessed the risks and ensured vehicles and pedestrians could circulate in a safe manner, this incident could have easily been avoided.
“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
Further reading
For some further information about accidents at work, check out this page.
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