Hampshire company fined after worker loses legs in excavator accident
R W Waste Limited prosecuted for safety failures
A Hampshire waste management company has been fined after a worker suffered life-changing injuries when run over by a reversing excavator.
The incident occurred at R W Waste Limited's yard in Shedfield on 7th November 2023, where a 24-year-old employee was sorting waste.
He was crushed by a 15-tonne excavator operating in the same area, leading to the amputation of both his lower legs.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that R W Waste Limited did not have adequate safety measures in place to protect pedestrians from moving vehicles.
HSE's findings highlighted a lack of suitable arrangements to ensure pedestrian safety, particularly regarding reversing vehicles.
The company, located on Botley Road, Shedfield, admitted to breaching Section 2(1) and Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
During proceedings at Southampton Magistrates’ Court on 16th April 2026, it was noted that the fine could have been £180,000, reduced to £120,000 due to a guilty plea.
However, given the company’s liquidation and inability to pay, a nominal fine of £1 was imposed, with no order for costs.
HSE Inspector Nicola Pinckney stated,
“The failures of this company have left a young man with truly life-changing injuries. He has not been able to work since. Unfortunately, this type of accident is sadly not uncommon in this industry. After the incident, and following enforcement action taken by HSE, the company did introduce a number of readily available measures that significantly reduce the risk of this happening again."
“We take these failures seriously and will hold those to account who fail to keep their workers and other people safe.”
This prosecution was carried out by HSE enforcement lawyer Julian White, with support from HSE paralegal officer Gabrielle O’Sullivan.
For guidance on workplace safety, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 Approved Code of Practice offers insights on arranging environments to ensure the safety of both pedestrians and vehicles.