A Manchester-based waste and recycling company, Pink Skips (NW) Ltd, was fined more than £100,000 after a worker lost his leg in a tragic digger accident. The incident took place on October 5, 2022, at the company’s site in Levenshulme, where a 360-excavator was being used to move waste. A 41-year-old worker, along with two colleagues, was sorting refuse when the excavator suddenly reversed, hitting him from behind.
This tragic event unfolded in seconds. As the machinery moved, the worker was struck and subsequently run over by the heavy equipment, resulting in catastrophic injuries. He was immediately rushed to the hospital. Despite swift medical intervention, the damage was too severe, and the man’s leg was amputated above the knee. The emotional and physical scars from this incident remain, as the father of two is still unable to work and suffers from ongoing and severe pain.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched an investigation into the accident. What they uncovered revealed a deeply concerning lapse in workplace safety measures. Pink Skips (NW) Ltd failed to enforce adequate safety protocols, specifically in segregating pedestrians from vehicles on-site.
CCTV footage from the day of the incident revealed workers operating in dangerously close proximity to the 360-excavator. Additionally, it was found that hand-picking waste regularly occurred around the excavator, further elevating the risk of injury.
A written ‘safe system of work’ had been established for the site. However, the HSE found that these safety procedures were not being followed in practice. There was no regular monitoring to ensure compliance, meaning the workers were routinely placed in unsafe conditions.
In court, Pink Skips (NW) Ltd admitted to breaching regulation 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The company was fined £106,700 and ordered to pay £5,744 in costs following the hearing at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on August 7, 2023.
HSE inspector Lisa Bailey stated after the hearing: “This incident has resulted in life-changing injuries for the worker involved. The company’s failure to put in place and enforce adequate safety measures, particularly in segregating vehicles and workers on the ground, exposed employees to significant risk.”
This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of neglecting health and safety regulations. Businesses must understand that a written safety procedure is only as effective as its enforcement. No matter how well-documented safety protocols are, if they aren’t actively monitored and followed, employees’ lives are at risk.
Workplace safety is not just a compliance issue. It is about safeguarding lives and ensuring that workers return home to their families in the same condition they arrived. Every worker has the right to a safe working environment, free from unnecessary risks.
The responsibility falls not just on employers but also on everyone within a business to be vigilant and proactive. Health and safety aren’t just about avoiding fines or complying with regulations; they are fundamental to protecting people from life-altering injuries.
Too often, it takes a tragedy to bring about change. In this case, the cost of negligence has been profound – for both the injured worker and the company. While financial penalties serve as a reminder of the legal responsibilities businesses hold, no amount of money can repair the damage done to this man’s life. The real loss cannot be measured in pounds.
As this case illustrates, businesses operating in high-risk industries like waste and recycling must remain vigilant. Companies must routinely evaluate and update their safety protocols, ensuring that they reflect the realities of their operations and are rigorously enforced.
Employees should be given regular safety training, and there must be continuous monitoring to ensure adherence to safety practices. Ignoring these critical elements leaves workers exposed to unnecessary risks and businesses vulnerable to legal action.
The message is clear: safety should never be an afterthought. It must be built into the fabric of everyday operations, especially in industries where heavy machinery and hazardous conditions are present. By enforcing safety measures, businesses not only avoid financial penalties but, more importantly, protect the lives and well-being of their workers.
In conclusion, the fine levied against Pink Skips (NW) Ltd serves as a wake-up call to all businesses. Cutting corners on safety can lead to catastrophic consequences. Employees are the backbone of any operation, and ensuring their safety must always be the top priority.
