A company responsible for operating household waste and recycling centres in Wales has been fined £100,000 for failing to protect both workers and the public from serious safety risks.
Sundorne Products (Llanidloes) Limited admitted to multiple safety breaches at Llandrindod Wells Household Waste and Recycling Centre in Powys, following an inspection by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The company was also ordered to pay £10,077 in costs after pleading guilty at Welshpool Magistrates Court on 28 January 2025.
Dangerous Machinery Left Unsecured
The case stems from an HSE inspection on 6 October 2022 that found unrestricted access to waste compactor machines, exposing workers and members of the public to the risk of serious injury. Three waste compactors were immediately shut down due to unsafe access to their controls and dangerous parts, including the compaction chambers.
A subsequent investigation uncovered further serious safety failings, including:
- A lack of adequate risk assessments for operating the compactors.
- No clear training or instructions for workers handling the machinery.
- Inadequate pre-use safety checks.
- No recognised safe method for clearing blockages in the compaction chambers.
HSE enforcement action was taken to ensure that the company improved its safety management and introduced better control measures.
HSE: Companies Must Take Responsibility
Following the hearing, HSE inspector Joe Boast stressed the importance of proper safety procedures in the waste and recycling industry.
“Those in control of work have a responsibility to devise safe methods of working and to provide the necessary information, instruction and training to their workers in the safe system of working. The charges extend to failings in respect of risks to the public,” Boast said.
“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those that fall below the required standards.”
HSE guidance on waste management and recycling safety gives businesses essential information on identifying and managing workplace hazards.
Sundorne Products (Llanidloes) Limited was found guilty of breaching Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, which require employers to ensure the safety of their employees and the public.