A waste collection firm in Luton has been instructed to pay almost £2 million in fines and costs after being found guilty of health and safety failings following the death of a binman.

The incident occurred when Peter Coleman was collecting waste at Woodside Leisure Complex on Saturday 11 October 2014.

His vehicle began to roll away and while attempting to regain control and stop the runaway vehicle, Peter was struck and died of his injuries.

Following a police investigation, a coroner’s inquest and an investigation by Watford Borough Council, the decision to prosecute Peter’s employer, F&R Cawley, was based on evidence indicating serious issues with the condition of the vehicle and the practices of the company. 

The prosecutor said the brakes on the lorry’s second axle were faulty and a mechanism that prevented the bin lift being operated when the vehicle was in gear had been disabled.

This guidance has been developed by the Waste Industry Health and Safety (WISH) Forum to help control safety and health risks in the waste management industry associated with occupational health issues. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) were consulted in the production of this publication. It endorses the sensible, proportionate, reasonable, and balanced advice on managing risk during waste-related activities as set out in the guidance.

This guidance is aimed as an introduction to health surveillance and as such has been written for operators, site managers, supervisors, and anyone else who wishes to improve their knowledge of the issue. The guidance is relevant to all sectors and sub-sectors of the waste and recycling industry

WASTE 30 Health surveillance for the waste and recycling industry Feb 2021