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Investigations continue into Viridor skip fatality

Investigations are continuing into a fatal incident earlier this month which saw the driver of a Viridor skip loader killed on a site in Bovey Tracey, Devon.

The Health and Safety Executive told letsrecycle.com today (31 January) that it is aware of the incident on 17 January “and is investigating alongside Devon and Cornwall Police who have primacy”.

The fire service in attendance at the incident in Bovey Tracey earlier this month (picture: ©StevePope/MDA)

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Police were notified at around 1.30pm on Friday 17 January following reports of a possible industrial incident involving a man under a skip on St John’s Lane in Bovey Tracey. Ambulance and Fire services were informed and were in attendance.

“Despite best efforts, a man in his 30s was declared deceased at the scene. His next of kin were informed.  Police and HSE are continuing to carry out enquires.”

The incident occurred in the Works Team Depot of Dartmoor National Park for which Viridor is the external waste contractor.

A Dorset Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: “We sent five appliances to the incident and crews worked with the other emergency services to screen the scene, put cordons in place and preserve the scene for the police investigation.2

Viridor statement

In a statement, Viridor confirmed the incident at Bovey Tracey on Friday, 17 January, 2020, “in which a driver suffered fatal injuries.”

The company said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased, his friends and colleagues at this very difficult time. We are offering every assistance to the police and Health and Safety Executive as they carry out their inquiries.”

And, the company stated: “Viridor takes its health and safety responsibilities very seriously. Nothing is more important than the safety of those working at our sites.”

Derriford

The company has previously suffered a fatality involving a skip lorry at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, Devon in 2015 for which it was fined in 2018. (see letsrecycle.com story).

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