Spot checks of waste sites to start across Derbyshire

Date:

14 January 2011

Release No:

HSE/EM/124/11

Skip-hire and waste transfer sites across Derbyshire will be the target of spot checks between 24 - 28 January in a bid to reduce the high rate of death and injury in the waste recycling industry.

The waste and recycling sector has an overall accident rate around four times greater than the UK average and a fatal accident rate around nine times the average for all industries.

Inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) aim to raise the level of awareness of the serious hazards and risks associated with waste transfer sites including workplace transport, the operation of large, powerful, machinery and the hand-sorting of waste which often takes place in close proximity to large vehicles.

Edward Walker, HM Inspector of Health and Safety in Derbyshire, is leading the initiative. He said:

"It is totally unacceptable that so many lives have been lost and continue to be put at risk on waste sites.

"We will have inspectors out across Derbyshire throughout the week to continue to take firm action against those operators who ignore safety precautions. Sites where health and safety is taken seriously have nothing to fear, but we will root out those that put lives at risk."

During the inspection initiative, HSE inspectors will be looking at whether:

• Vehicles and machinery are used and maintained safely
• Sites are well organised, to allow pedestrians and vehicles to move safely
• The work force is made aware of hazards and given appropriate information, instruction and training
• Suitable welfare facilities are provided
• Ensuring the safety of any members of the public who visit site
• Employees are protected from risks to their health from noise, dust and fumes, and the handling of hazardous substances

Notes to editors

1. The Health and Safety Executive is Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice; promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice; and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement.

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