A Yorkshire-based metals recycling company, CF Booth Limited, has been slapped with a hefty fine of £1.2 million following an incident where a worker was struck by a moving wagon at a processing site in Rotherham.
The incident, which occurred on 10th August 2020, saw an employee of CF Booth Limited sustaining severe injuries after being hit by a 32-tonne skip wagon while walking across the site yard. The worker, who was not wearing a hi-vis jacket at the time, did not notice the approaching wagon. Similarly, the wagon driver failed to spot the employee due to focusing on navigating around low-level skips placed near the crossing area.
As a result of the collision, the worker suffered a fractured skull and collar bone in two places, although he has since recovered fully from his injuries.
An investigation conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed significant lapses in safety measures at the site. It was found that the site was not organized to ensure the safe circulation of pedestrians and vehicles. Furthermore, there was no adequate workplace transport risk assessment in place for segregating vehicles and pedestrians. The absence of proper risk assessment and control measures, such as physical barriers and designated crossing points, contributed to the occurrence of the incident.
In response to these findings, CF Booth Limited pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on April 25. The company was fined £1.2 million and ordered to pay costs amounting to £5,694.85.
Following the court ruling, HSE inspector Kirstie Durrans emphasized the importance of proper risk assessment and safety measures in preventing such incidents. She warned that HSE would not hesitate to take enforcement action against companies failing to meet required safety standards.
The prosecution was led by HSE enforcement lawyers Karen Park and Kate Harney, with support from paralegal officer Rebecca Forman.
The substantial fine underscores the gravity with which authorities view workplace safety breaches, serving as a stark reminder to companies to prioritize the safety of their employees and implement robust safety measures to prevent accidents.
