Clearaway Recycling Limited has been fined £400,000 following a serious incident where a 22-year-old site operative was crushed by a mobile shredder. The accident occurred in October 2023 when the woman was accessing the tipping yard. She suffered life-changing injuries after being trapped between the shredder and a gate post.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that the company failed to manage pedestrian and vehicle movements effectively. It was noted that it had become common practice for workers to walk in areas close to moving vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents. This incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in the waste and recycling sector, which has one of the highest rates of workplace injuries.
HSE inspector Joanne Williams emphasized the need for better safeguards to protect pedestrians in such environments. The waste and recycling industry has seen a troubling trend of fatalities, with recent statistics showing that workers in this sector are at a significantly higher risk of serious injury compared to other industries.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of workplace safety measures. As the industry continues to grapple with high injury rates, it raises questions about the adequacy of current safety protocols and the need for stricter enforcement to prevent future tragedies.
Source: GB News
