A genuinely hazardous occupation.
WHY IT MATTERS
Waste collection is among the more dangerous occupations, and injuries are frequent.
WHAT THE MAIN HAZARDS ARE
Vehicle movement, particularly reversing Manual handling of heavy containers Sharp objects in waste Infection and contamination Chemical exposure Compaction machinery Road traffic Heat and exertion
WHY REVERSING DOMINATES FATALITIES
Crews work around a moving vehicle and the driver cannot see them.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
That nobody rides on the outside of vehicles That reversing uses a banksman or is avoided That crews are never between the vehicle and a fixed object
WHAT SHARPS IN WASTE CAUSE
Cuts, and exposure to infection.
WHAT TO PROVIDE
Gloves resistant to cuts Boots with protection High-visibility clothing Eye protection where needed
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
That crews never compress waste by hand or reach into containers.
WHY
Concealed sharps injure hands.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT INJURIES
Immediate cleaning, reporting and medical attention for any cut.
WHY MEDICAL ATTENTION
Waste-related wounds carry infection risk.
WHAT VACCINATION TO CONSIDER
Per medical advice for the work.
WHAT MANUAL HANDLING REQUIRES
Containers within manageable weight Mechanical lifting where available Two people for heavy items Refusal of overloaded containers
WHAT TO ESTABLISH WITH CUSTOMERS
Weight limits, and that overloaded containers are not collected.
WHAT COMPACTION MACHINERY REQUIRES
Guards and controls maintained Nobody near the mechanism while operating Isolation before clearing blockages
WHY
Compaction mechanisms cause fatal injuries.
WHAT TO RECORD
Every injury and near miss.
