A Hertfordshire recycling company has been fined £30,000 after an employee was run over by a telehandler, leaving him with an amputated leg.
The victim, who was 51 at the time, was working at Eco Waste and Recycling Limited's waste transfer site in Newnham, near Ashwell, when he was struck from behind by a reversing telehandler. He had been sorting recyclable materials by hand.
The incident, on March 16 last year, led to the man’s right leg being amputated from above the knee.
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An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found Eco Waste and Recycling Limited failed to adequately segregate vehicles and pedestrians at its site and failed to act quickly on the findings of risk assessments.
Eco Waste and Recycling Limited, of High Firs Crescent, Harpenden, pleaded guilty to breaching 4(1) of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and Regulation 5(1) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
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Along with the fine, the company has been ordered to pay £3,102.50 in court costs at St Albans Magistrates' Court on Thursday, May 4.
HSE inspector Adam Johnson said: “This incident could so easily have been avoided. Segregation measures should have been in place between vehicles and pedestrians.
“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate action against those that fall below the required standards.”
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