Magistrates have fined Biffa almost £2.5m after a worker died from injuries sustained when he was run over by a reversing skip wagon.
James Tabiri, 57, was a sort-line operative at Biffa Waste Services’ waste transfer site in Bradford.
On 10 August 2023, he was struck from behind by a reversing skip wagon. The impact caused him to fall and he was crushed by the vehicle’s rear wheels.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found that Biffa Waste Services Ltd failed to effectively review and monitor the control measures in place to protect pedestrians and keep them separate from vehicle movements.
Leeds Magistrates’ Court imposed a £2.48m fine on the company, which pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety laws, and ordered it to pay costs of £5,768.06.
CCTV footage from the week before the incident showed that it was common practice for people on site to bypass segregated pedestrian routes, with some seen climbing over barriers that were intended to keep them safe.
HSE inspector Elliot Archer said after the hearing: “This incident was easily avoidable. Control measures were in place to allow pedestrians and vehicles to move safely, but a lack of monitoring and supervision allowed poor working practices to develop between the workers on site.
“Our investigation found a casual attitude to health and safety with workers treating a high hazard site like a playground. This tragic incident should be a reminder to the waste industry not to become complacent with the risks workplace transport poses.”
Biffa health and safety director Gary Carvell said: “On behalf of the company, I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Mr Tabiri.
“The health and safety of our staff, contractors, visitors and members of the public is our overriding priority. We recognise in this case that the arrangements in place to ensure the safe separation of pedestrians and vehicles were not effective and we accept full responsibility for the breaches accepted in court.
“Immediately following the incident, we carried out a comprehensive health and safety review of the site and made several changes to reduce the likelihood of further harm. We are committed to workplace safety across all our UK sites.”
