Death leads to GBP130000 fine
February 15, 2010
An employee of Veolia ES (UK) Ltd (formally Onyx UK Ltd) was killed when a 1,100-litre recycling bin fell on his head.
Aylesbury Crown Court heard how David Ives, 56 from High Wycombe died on 5 May 2004 when collecting refuse outside a pub in Easington, near Aylesbury. A recycling bin fell from the bin hoist on the recycling lorry and landed on Mr Ives head, killing him.
The Health and Safety Executive prosecuted Veolia ES (UK) Ltd, London over the incident. On 11 February 2010 the jury found the company guilty of breaching sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. Veolia ES (UK) Ltd was fined £130,000 and ordered to pay costs of £220,000.
Dennis MacWilliam, HSE inspector, said: "This was an extremely tragic incident which has now left Mr Ives widow to continue life without a loving husband. It could have been avoided if only a few simple measures had been in place.
Inspector MacWilliam concluded: "Employers are legally required to make sure their equipment is regularly maintained and is fit for use by their workers. If the bin hoist on the recycling lorry had been maintained this incident would never have happened."
Find out more about Slips, Trips and Falls
Aylesbury Crown Court heard how David Ives, 56 from High Wycombe died on 5 May 2004 when collecting refuse outside a pub in Easington, near Aylesbury. A recycling bin fell from the bin hoist on the recycling lorry and landed on Mr Ives head, killing him.
The Health and Safety Executive prosecuted Veolia ES (UK) Ltd, London over the incident. On 11 February 2010 the jury found the company guilty of breaching sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. Veolia ES (UK) Ltd was fined £130,000 and ordered to pay costs of £220,000.
Dennis MacWilliam, HSE inspector, said: "This was an extremely tragic incident which has now left Mr Ives widow to continue life without a loving husband. It could have been avoided if only a few simple measures had been in place.
Inspector MacWilliam concluded: "Employers are legally required to make sure their equipment is regularly maintained and is fit for use by their workers. If the bin hoist on the recycling lorry had been maintained this incident would never have happened."
Find out more about Slips, Trips and Falls
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