AN investigation has been launched after a rubbish truck was seen reversing without a lookout just weeks after an elderly woman was hit in a similar incident.

Sita UK has launched a probe after pictures of the reversing lorry were posted on Facebook by concerned residents in Hullbridge.

Just two weeks ago, Edie Allen, 87, lost her life after she was knocked down in Rydal Close, Hullbridge, by a Sita recycling lorry that was reversing around a corner without a lookout, known as a banksman.

The Health and Safety Executive is already looking into Mrs Allen’s death and residents are shocked about the latest incident, in Creek View Avenue, with more than 50 comments posted on Facebook.

Diane Hoy, district councillor for Hullbridge, said: “The moment I saw the post on Facebook I called the council.

“I am quite shocked by it. It seems like the previous incident with Edie was not a one off. I don’t know if they can’t be bothered walking behind the lorry as a lookout, but it is worrying.

“There are quite a few kids and elderly people who live there, so it is dangerous.”

Mrs Allen was knocked down on November 4 and suffered a broken femur and collar bone.

She died of pneumonia on November 29 while still in hospital because of her injuries.

Three Sita UK employees lost their jobs as a result of the incident.

Lucy Nye, Mrs Allen’s granddaughter, said: “I am saddened to hear it appears lessons haven’t been learnt following the accident.

"Not only has a wonderful woman suffered a lot of pain and lost her life, three men are now out of work as a consequence and are probably feeling a tremendous amount of guilt knowing this incident was thoroughly avoidable.

“I had hoped more steps would be taken to ensure something like this never happens again and it’s very disappointing to me that crews are still failing to execute a little common sense – regardless of the rules and regulations – when operating these dangerous vehicles.”

Driving standards in spotlight

SITA UK signed an eight-year contract with Rochford District Council in September to continue collecting the district’s rubbish.

From next May, it will be able to use new lorries, as the council is buying new vehicles which will feature 360 degree cameras and rear sensors which can automatically apply the handbrake.

A spokesman for Sita UK said: “We would like to thank the resident of Creek View Road for their report and we are investigating the matter with the crew in question.

“Over the past fewweeks, we have re-emphasised the importance of deploying an assistant when reversing and all crew members have been trained to carry out this essential activity safely, as is the case with all new employees.

“Sita UK has also deployed senior personnel to monitor the driving standards of crews while they are on the road, as has Rochford District Council.

“As such, our collection crews are currently under a great deal of scrutiny to ensure that best practice is followed in respect of vehicle health and safety procedures.”

A spokesman for the district council said: “We have been made aware of this matter and are liaising with Sita, which has launched an investigation.

“The current fleet of vehicles has been in operation since 2008 and was due for replacement in 2015.

“This new type of kit was not available at that time.”