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A collapsed UK-based company has been fined £1 after a worker was crushed by a 15-tonne piece of machinery. R W Waste Limited filed for liquidation after the incident, which happened in its yard on November 7, 2023. The 24-year-old employee had both lower legs amputated after the excavator reversed over him while he was sorting waste, and has not been able to work since.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the firm had not taken suitable steps to keep people safe from moving vehicles in its yard in Shedfield, Hampshire. HSE inspector Nicola Pinckney said the failures had "left a young man with truly life-changing injuries".

The company pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2 (1) and Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 at Southampton Magistrates' Court on Thursday, April 16.

The court heard that the appropriate fine levied would have been £180,000, reduced to £120,000 after the guilty plea.

However, as it had collapsed into administration, R W Waste was only ordered to pay a nominal fee of £1.

Ms Pinckney said: "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."

A spokesperson for the HSE added: "Health and safety legislation requires workplaces to be organised so that pedestrians and vehicles can circulate safely.

"When large vehicles must reverse, employers must consider additional precautions and implement them where appropriate to protect those working nearby.

"HSE guidance on reversing states that most of these accidents can be avoided by taking simple precautions."