Biffa pleaded guilty at West Berkshire Magistrates' Court on Monday (February 8) to breaching Section 3 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
The Act states that it is a duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons who are not in his employment who may be affected thereby are not exposed to risks to their health and safety.
The company also pleaded guilty to contravening Regulation 3(1) (b) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
The Regulation states: “Every employer shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of – the risks to the health and safety of persons not in his employment arising out of or in connection with the conduct by him of his undertaking”.
It is understood that Mr Krauesslar had been disposing of waste material into skips at the Berkshire site when he was allegedly struck by a mechanical digger. Mr Krauesslar was taken to Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
A 59-year old site worker was arrested at the time of the incident on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was subsequently released on bail.
Biffa said that they would be making no comment on the case at this stage. The case has been committed to Reading Crown Court for sentencing.
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