Recycling company fined after workers death

A worker who had not been trained and was not authorised to operate a bailing machine died while attempting to clear a blockage on one - 15th December 2008

 

A company has been prosecuted following an employee's accident at work leading to his death.

The workplace accident happened in August 2005 at Kingshill Recycling Centre, Wiltshire, when a 33-year old man who had not been given training to operate a machine, and was not authorised to use it, tried to clear a blockage on a bailing machine. As he tried to clear the blockage he became trapped in the machine which led to his death.

His company, SITA UK ltd were fined £180,000 at Swindon Crown Court and ordered to pay £38,000 costs.

This tragic accident could have been avoided if the correct training had been given, procedures for safe operation had been documented and available, and if the correct supervision was in place to prevent unauthorised personnel using the machine.

Andrew Kingscott a Health and Safety Executive Inspector said: "The company failed to ensure that the plant was safe and that written safe working practices were relevant, clear and understood by site staff."

He also said that the recycling plant industry should pay particular attention to maintenance safety adding that they should have "robust and effective controls to ensure that blockages can be cleared in a safe manner".