Recycling Company Pleads Guilty to Health and Safety Failings
A recycling company based in Rotherham has been prosecuted after failing to adhere to a multitude of health and safety at work regulations. London Wiper Company Ltd showed “a blatant disregard” for hundreds of workers when leaving dangerous components of crushing and cutting systems exposed.
An extensive Health and Safety Executive investigation unearthed the safety breaches after visiting the company trading as Universal Recycling Company in Kilnhust, Mexborough. Several Prohibition Notices were issued immediately due to the scores of failings though the company was later granted time to take the required action to improve their operations.
“Universal Recycling Company has shown a blatant disregard for the law and for the safety of their workers. The company was given every opportunity to comply with the requirements of the Improvement Notices and they did not do so. They were provided with detailed verbal advice, a letter, and photographs highlighting areas requiring improvement, given an extension of time and further advice,” HSE Inspector Denise Fotheringham revealed.
The investigation found chopping machines, conveyors, chain drives, belts, rollers, and pullers were among those that had inadequate safeguards implemented. London Wiper Company has been fined £8,000 and told to pay an additional £5,000 in costs after pleading guilty to two non-compliance charges.
“Enforcement notices are issued for a reason and HSE will not tolerate non-compliance – we will prosecute. Failure to guard machines to acceptable standards results in disabling and even fatal incidents every year.”
