A RECYCLING firm has been fined £5,000 after a pensioner was hit by a collection lorry.
Stratford District Council prosecuted R&S Recycling Ltd of Beoley for healthy and safety offences following an incident at Mappleborough Green in June 2015.
A 77 year-old woman was struck by one of the firm’s collection vehicles reversing into the public car park at Badger Nursery
after collecting recycling. The victim was not seriously injured.
District community safety spokesman Mike Brain said: “‘This was a very unfortunate incident which could easily have been avoided by the company carrying-out a risk assessment specific to this site and identifying the need to use a reversing assistant or collect the waste when the nursery was closed to the public.
“Reversing heavy vehicles is an inherently dangerous task which should be avoided where possible by arranging site layouts so that it’s not required. However, where it’s unavoidable measures must be taken to reduce the risk, such as the use of reversing assistants and, in areas where members of the public may be present, ensuring heavy vehicle movements are limited to times when the public don’t have access.
“Contractors working on client’s sites and businesses employing contractors must exchange information to allow each other to operate safely. Businesses are also advised to check on the health and safety arrangements of contractors they employ and to make sure they have the right skills and knowledge to carry out the work safely. Comprehensive guidance is available on the HSE website.
“I hope this prosecution sends a clear message that the district council will take action in order to protect and safe guard the public.”
