A refuse company has been prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), after a binman was killed when a recycling bin fell on him.

In May, 2004, 56-year-old David Ives from High Wycombe was employed by Veolia ES (UK) Ltd (formally known as Onyx UK Ltd).

Mr Ives was collecting refuse outside a pub in Easington, near Aylesbury, when a 1,100-litre recycling bin fell from the bin hoist on the recycling lorry and landed on Mr Ives’ head. He sustained serious head injuries from which he died.

On Thursday (11/02/10) at Aylesbury Crown Court, Veolia ES (UK) Ltd of Veolia House, Pentonville Road in north London was found guilty of breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The company was fined £130,000 and ordered to pay costs of £220,000.

At the same trial, Brian Currie Milton Keynes Ltd of Norfolk House Centre, Milton Keynes was found not guilty of breaching Section 3(1) of the 1974 Act.

After the hearing, HSE inspector Dennis MacWilliam said that, if the bin hoist on the recycling lorry had been maintained, the incident ‘would never have happened’.

‘This was an extremely tragic incident, which has now left Mr Ives’ widow to continue life without a loving husband.

‘It could have been avoided if only a few simple measures had been in place.

‘Employers are legally required to make sure their equipment is regularly maintained and is fit for use by their workers,’ Mr MacWilliam added.

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