Worker Crushed During Work To Clean Weighbridge Sensors

By Rob Dixon

Bridgend company Nolan Recycling has been fined £250,000 and ordered to pay costs in relation to a fatal accident at work which led to the death of a 21-year-old worker.

Geraint Eagle, who had only worked for the company for six months, was crushed when he was struck by a skip lorry during work to clean sensors on a weighbridge at a waste site operated by the company at Pyle in December 2010.

An investigation into the incident by the Health and Safety Executive revealed a series of failings by the company, including a failure to recognise the risks on the site, no full instructions or guidance to staff and a failure to monitor or supervise staff.

Sally Rissbrook, a legal specialist at Irwin Mitchell who represents victims and the families of those killed in accidents at work, said: “This tragedy is another terrible example of the important role health and safety can play in the workplace.

“Like many of our cases, the incident demonstrates how simple failings can have shocking consequences, often leading to problems which could and should have been avoided.

“Employers have a duty to ensure that risk assessments are completed, as well as that the right instructions, guidance and supervision is given to their staff. Such measures can play a huge role in keeping members of staff protected.

“We hope that all employers in the waste industry and beyond can learn lessons from this case, with the aim of ensuring the same issues are never seen again.”

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in relation to Accident at Work claims