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PHW · Waste and recycling · 2026-08-13

Clearaway Recycling Limited fined £400,000 after a worker was crushed by a mobile shredder

Basildon, Essex · Chelmsford Magistrates' Court

What happened

On 28 October 2024 a 22-year-old site operative was struck by a mobile shredder while accessing the tipping yard, becoming trapped between a gate post and the shredder. Adequate segregation between pedestrians and vehicles had not been provided in the working area.

Injuries: Life-changing and life-threatening crush injuries.

The breach

Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

The sentence

  • Fine: £400,000
  • Costs: £10,259
HSE inspector

“Where pedestrians require access to working areas, safeguards must be in place to protect them, including providing adequate segregation or separation distances between pedestrians and vehicles.”

What would have prevented it

Waste sites must physically segregate pedestrians from moving plant and vehicles, not rely on workers simply staying out of the way.

How PHW helps

The machines, packs and quizzes that fit this kind of site.

Sector

Training and evidence for waste and recycling sites

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Safety pack

Vehicle marshal (banksman and reversing)

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Quiz

Could you show, in writing, that every excavator or loading shovel operator is authorised for that machine?

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Source: HSE press release, Waste and recycling company fined £400,000 after woman crushed