Following a recent investigation by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has been sentenced for a health and safety offence after the tragic death of a 51-year-old employee in Limavady on 6 November 2018. This case underscores the crucial need for rigorous health and safety procedures in any business or organisation.
The Council pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of its employees and was fined £75,000. This prosecution followed the unfortunate death of John Winton, who was struck by a reversing bin lorry in the Mount Eden area of Limavady. Mr. Winton sustained fatal crush injuries and died at the scene.
HSENI Principal Inspector Anne Boylan commented on the incident:
“This tragic accident could have been avoided had the Council managed the risks associated with domestic bin collections. Comprehensive information and guidance specific to the waste industry was readily available at the time of the incident. This guidance clearly outlined the risks associated with bin collections and provided reasonably practicable control measures for managing those risks. Tragically for the Winton family, the Council failed to implement the necessary control measures.”
Key Lessons and the Importance of Health and Safety
Employers are reminded of their responsibility to manage risks associated with waste collection activities. Essential controls include suitable and sufficient risk assessments, safe systems of work, training, supervision, and monitoring to ensure unsafe practices do not develop.
The practice of “Task and Finish” requires careful monitoring to ensure that bin collection crews do not rush to complete their work, compromising safety protocols. Implementing these measures is vital to prevent accidents and protect employees.
Statement from the Public Prosecution Service
PPS Senior Public Prosecutor Michael McDaid stated:
“Mr. Winton tragically lost his life when he was struck by a bin lorry whilst working for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. Prosecutors in the PPS’s Fraud & Departmental Section worked closely with the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland to build a robust prosecution case. This resulted in the Council chief executive formally entering a guilty plea and accepting responsibility for the Council’s shortcomings in relation to refuse collection at the time of the incident. PPS is committed to working with our enforcement partners to prosecute alleged health and safety offences, where the Test for Prosecution is met. The outcome of this case must serve as a stark warning to employers to implement comprehensive health and safety measures to prevent individuals from being endangered and avoid any further tragic loss of life.”
The Essential Role of Health and Safety Procedures
This case highlights the devastating consequences that can arise when proper health and safety protocols are not in place. The loss of John Winton, a much-loved father, is a poignant reminder of the critical importance of these measures. Businesses and organisations must prioritize health and safety to protect their employees, ensure compliance with legal requirements, and foster a safe working environment. The implementation of thorough health and safety procedures is not just a regulatory necessity but a moral obligation to prevent tragedies and safeguard lives.