Clearaway Recycling was fined following the incident at its Archers Fields facility on 28 October 2023, when the site operative was crushed between a gate post and the moving shredder while accessing the tipping yard.
She suffered life-threatening injuries and has been left with life-changing injuries as a result of the incident.
The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on 13 August 2026.
It was fined £400,000 and ordered to pay £10,259 in costs.
‘Significant and life-changing injuries’
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that Clearaway Recycling had failed to properly manage the movement of pedestrians and vehicles around the site.
The investigation found that it had become “custom and practice” for pedestrians to walk in areas close to moving vehicles, including the mobile shredder, as well as lorries and forklift trucks.
The HSE said that suitable safeguards should be in place where pedestrians need to access working areas.
HSE Inspector Joanne Williams commented: “In this case, a young woman was left with significant and life-changing injuries.
“Where pedestrians require access to working areas, safeguards must be in place to protect them, including providing adequate segregation or separation distances between pedestrians and vehicles in the area.”
The prosecution was taken by HSE enforcement lawyer Andrew Siddall, supported by paralegal officer Thomas Smith.
Waste sector fatalities
According to HSE, 24 workers were killed in the waste and recycling industry during 2025/26.
When compared over a five-year period, fatalities in the sector are ten times more likely than the all-industry average.
Workplace transport continues to account for the largest proportion of fatal incidents in the waste sector, making up around 30% of all fatalities.
Williams added: “The waste and recycling sector continues to be one of the leading industries for workplace injuries and fatalities.
“One of the reasons is the risks from vehicle and pedestrian collisions are well known, yet serious incidents continue to occur.”
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