A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecution is being brought against two companies after five workers were fatally injured and another seriously injured at a site in Birmingham.
On 7 July 2016, Ousmane Kaba Diaby, Saibo Sumbundu Sillah, Bangally Tunkara Dukuray, Almamo Kinteh Jammeh and Mahamadou Jagana Jagana were all fatally crushed by a collapsing wall at the site on Aston Church Road in Nechells area of the city. Tombong Camara Conteh sustained serious injuries.
A joint investigation by HSE and West Midlands Police has taken place.
Ensco 10101 Limited (previously known as Shredmet Ltd) of Riverside Works Trevor Street, Nechells, Birmingham will face charges under Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Hawkeswood Metal Recycling Limited of Riverside Works Trevor Street, Nechells, Birmingham, will face charges under Sections 2(1) and 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
A prosecution has also been approved against two individuals.
The first court hearing is yet to be confirmed.
The news follows HSE annual figures that show there were five fatal injuries to waste and recycling workers recorded in 2019/20.
Despite being a relatively small sector in terms of employment, the annual average fatal injury rate over the last five years is around 18 times as high as the all industry rate.