A metal recycling company was penalized with a hefty £650,000 fine after failing to ensure the safety of its workers from moving vehicles on its premises. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) pointed out that ASM Metal Recycling Ltd did not properly separate heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) from pedestrians at its location in Aylesbury.
HSE inspector Emma Page discovered troubling practices during a routine inspection at the company’s Griffin Lane site. She captured footage showing employees sorting waste near grab excavators, with a skip lorry reversing dangerously close to them without any protective barriers in place.
The video evidence highlighted the absence of adequate measures to prevent potential vehicle accidents that could harm the workers. Despite receiving enforcement notices from the watchdog in the past, ASM was found to be in violation of its safety obligations under Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act.
As a result of their negligence, ASM Metal Recycling Ltd pleaded guilty in court and was handed the substantial fine along with additional costs. The HSE emphasized the significance of addressing safety concerns promptly to avoid tragic incidents like collisions between vehicles and pedestrians in the waste industry, which sadly lead to fatalities each year.
Following the legal proceedings, Inspector Page expressed disappointment in the company’s failure to address previous safety issues raised by the HSE. She emphasized the critical importance of preventing vehicle-pedestrian accidents in high-risk environments like waste management facilities.
In light of the fine and the serious nature of the safety breaches, ASM Metal Recycling Ltd has been urged to take immediate action to rectify the situation and prioritize the protection of its workers. The company has been given the opportunity to provide a response to the allegations and address the concerns raised by the HSE to ensure a safer working environment for all employees.