Story Highlight
– Jordan Campion was injured by a reversing telehandler.
– Sheridan Skips Burnley Limited failed safety assessments.
– No protection for workers from vehicle movements present.
– Company fined £24,000 for health and safety breach.
– HSE calls for better pedestrian-vehicle separation practices.
Full Story
A young worker from Burnley, Jordan Campion, sustained life-altering injuries after a serious workplace incident involving a reversing telehandler. The event took place on March 12, 2024, at the Smiths Yard site operated by Sheridan Skips Burnley Limited, where the 21-year-old and three colleagues were engaged in the manual sorting of waste materials.
While the employees were occupied with their tasks, a machine operated by a colleague reversed unexpectedly and struck Mr Campion, pinning him against a brick wall. The collision had devastating consequences, resulting in multiple fractures, nerve damage in his right arm, and injuries to his internal organs. Additionally, he suffered from partial hearing loss in his right ear and developed a blood clot that impacted his right eye, leading to permanent vision impairment.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) conducted an investigation into the incident and found alarming safety lapses at Sheridan Skips Burnley Limited. The business had failed to implement a thorough risk assessment regarding operational hazards, particularly the interplay between pedestrians and moving vehicles in the yard. This neglect of safety protocols left employees exposed to significant danger, as there were no effective measures in place to protect workers from potential harm caused by vehicles operating in close proximity.
It was specifically noted that the telehandler operator lacked sufficient visibility when reversing, primarily due to missing mirrors—a critical oversight that the company had not rectified. The lack of these safety features contributed to the fatal incident, putting the young worker in a precarious situation.
Following the incident, Mr Campion faced a lengthy recovery, spending nearly two weeks hospitalised. The emotional toll on him and his family was profound, with Mr Campion reflecting on the incident in a victim personal statement. “My incident has caused my family great distress. They permanently worry about me; they never thought that I wouldn’t be safe at work. They say you never expect to see your child go off to work and to get a phone call to say that they have had an incident and might not survive,” he expressed, highlighting the fear and uncertainty that now weighs on his family.
In the aftermath of the investigation, Sheridan Skips Burnley Limited was found guilty of violating Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 for failing to ensure the safety of their employees. At Blackburn Magistrates’ Court, the company was fined £24,000 and mandated to cover costs amounting to £4,777.
HSE inspector Anthony Banks commented on the case, noting that Mr Campion’s injuries could have been averted through the implementation of fundamental safety practices. “This young man’s injuries could so easily have been avoided with the implementation of safe working practices, including pedestrian and vehicle segregation and safe refuges for workers whilst vehicles were operating,” he stated. Banks further emphasised that such measures would effectively mitigate the risk of similar incidents, underscoring the necessity for a comprehensive approach to workplace safety within the waste management sector.
The prosecution was supported by HSE enforcement lawyer Julian White and paralegal officer Hannah Snelling, indicating the seriousness with which regulatory bodies view breaches of health and safety standards. This case stands as a stark reminder to other businesses within the industry to prioritize employee safety and ensure that protocols are strictly followed to prevent tragic accidents.
It is crucial for employers to recognise the importance of workplace safety, particularly in environments where vehicles and pedestrians interact closely. The introduction of clear operational procedures, adequate risk assessments, and effective training for all workers can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents. Ensuring that all machinery is equipped with the necessary safety features, such as mirrors and alarms, is equally important to preserve the safety of employees.
As workplace safety continues to be a pressing concern, the incident involving Mr Campion serves as a cautionary tale. Employers must take proactive steps to safeguard their workers, fostering a culture of safety that prioritises the well-being of all employees. This includes reviewing existing safety measures regularly and ensuring robust communication strategies are in place to address any potential hazards that may arise during operations.
In conclusion, the injuries suffered by Jordan Campion are a pivotal reminder of the critical need for proper safety measures in the workplace. Employers in the waste management and other high-risk industries must take these lessons to heart, ensuring that safety is always at the forefront of their business operations.
Our Thoughts
The incident involving Jordan Campion highlights several critical areas for improvement in health and safety practices within Sheridan Skips Burnley Limited. Key lessons include the importance of conducting thorough risk assessments and implementing effective control measures, particularly for the segregation of pedestrians and vehicles in operational areas, as mandated by Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The company failed to ensure a safe working environment, allowing employees to work alongside moving vehicles without physical barriers or proper supervision.
Additionally, the investigation revealed that the telehandler operator could not see clearly while reversing due to missing mirrors, another breach of safety regulations, potentially violating the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. To prevent similar incidents, companies in the waste industry should adopt robust safety protocols, including designated pedestrian walkways, adequate training for vehicle operators, and regular safety audits to identify and rectify hazards. By taking these actions, the risk of accidents involving workplace transport can be significantly reduced.
