Waste management company fined £120,000 after worker crushed by excavator

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prosecuted a company after a worker was crushed by a 15-tonne excavator resulting in a double leg amputation. The excavator reversed over the worker as they were sorting waste. Both of the worker’s lower legs were later amputated as a result and the worker has not been able to return to work since.

The HSE investigation found that the company failed to protect workers and other visitors on site. The HSE also found that the company had not put in place suitable arrangements to keep pedestrians safe while vehicles were moving around the yard. The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) and Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The appropriate fine for the offence was £120,000 in light of the company’s guilty plea.