HSE | A Bristol-based waste and recycling business has been fined after a worker was drawn into machinery and suffered life changing-injuries.
On 27 January 2024 a worker undertaking duties at Bateman Skips Ltd waste and recycling facility in Bristol slipped, making contact with the unguarded tail-end of a conveyor belt that was carrying waste materials.
The worker was attempting to clear a blockage that had occurred on the plant when their arm was dragged into the machine causing crush injuries that resulted in bone fractures, severe lacerations to the arm, nerve damage and a fractured rib.
The HSE’s investigation found that Bateman Skips Ltd failed to ensure the health, safety and welfare of its employees by failing to prevent access to dangerous parts of machinery and by failing to implement a safe system of work for clearing a blockages within its waste recovery facility.
Bateman Skips Ltd, of Broadmead Lane Industrial Estate, Bristol, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and breaching Regulation 11(1) of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. It was fined £64,666 and ordered to pay £4,657 in costs.
In a victim personal statement, the injured worker said: “I used to enjoy riding my bike, playing darts and snooker with my sons, working on cars and I am now unable to do any of these tasks. This has been the most traumatic thing I have ever experienced both physically and mentally, and I know it will continue to affect me for the rest of my life.”
HSE Inspector Laura Artosi said: “Workers coming into contact with moving machinery is one of the most common causes of workplace fatalities in Great Britain. Quite often, this relates to poorly guarded machines and the lack of a robust health and safety management system.
“This wholly preventable incident caused this person and their family physical and emotional pain which has been affecting their lives ever since.
“Employers have a duty to create a safe and healthy work environment for their employees. In this instance, had Bateman Skips Ltd ensured guarding was installed to the tail-end of the conveyor machine and had the company implemented a safe system of work for clearing a blockage within their waste and recycling facility, this incident would not have occurred”.
This HSE prosecution was brought before the Court by HSE Enforcement Lawyer Jonathan Bambro and Paralegal Officer Gabrielle O’Sullivan.
