Yorkshire Recycling Firm Hit with £1.2 Million Fine Over Worker Accident
CF Booth Limited, a metals recycling firm based in Yorkshire, has been hit with a massive £1.2 million fine after a worker was seriously injured at their Rotherham processing site.
Worker Hit by 32-Tonne Wagon in Shocking Site Accident
The incident happened on 10 August 2020 when an employee was struck by a 32-tonne skip wagon while crossing the yard. The worker was not wearing a hi-vis jacket and failed to spot the approaching vehicle. Meanwhile, the wagon driver’s attention was distracted navigating around low-level skips near the crossing.
Thanks to the collision, the worker suffered a fractured skull and collarbone in two places. Thankfully, he has since made a full recovery.
Health and Safety Failings Exposed
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched an investigation that uncovered major safety failings at the site. Investigators found no proper system to separate pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Crucial risk assessments and safety controls – like physical barriers and designated crossings – were absent.
CF Booth Limited admitted breaching Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on 25 April. They were slapped with a £1.2 million fine plus £5,694.85 in costs.
HSE Vows Tough Action to Protect Workers
“Proper risk assessments and safety measures are vital to stop incidents like this,”
– HSE inspector Kirstie Durrans
She warned that the HSE will not hesitate to enforce safety standards and take action against companies that fail to protect their workers.
The prosecution was led by HSE enforcement lawyers Karen Park and Kate Harney, supported by paralegal Rebecca Forman.
This hefty fine sends a clear message: workplace safety breaches won’t be tolerated, and firms must put employee safety front and centre to avoid devastating accidents and costly penalties.
