Claims in Refuse Collection: A Rising Concern
02/11/2025
This article looks at what’s causing these claims and offers important guidance for public service organisations on managing these risks.
Refuse collection is an essential service that keeps our communities clean and healthy. Zurich Municipal has noticed a rise in claims related to accidents and injuries in this sector. From being crushed by collection vehicles to health risks from hazardous waste, the safety of refuse workers is crucial and needs urgent attention.
The Growing Number of Claims
Crushing Incidents: One of the biggest risks in refuse collection is crushing accidents. These often happen when workers are close to the vehicles, which are heavy and difficult to handle. A recent BBC report shared the story of worker who was crushed by a refuse truck, resulting in death. Such incidents highlight the urgent need for better safety measures.
Exposure to Harmful Materials: Workers often come into contact with hazardous materials like chemicals and medical waste. Ingesting these can cause serious health problems such as respiratory issues, skin conditions, and chronic diseases. The risk is higher in places where waste isn't sorted properly, leading to accidental exposure to toxic substances.
Battery Risks: Improperly disposing of batteries is another major risk. Lithium-ion batteries can be especially dangerous, as they can catch fire or explode if damaged. Reports have highlighted these risks, showing the need for proper disposal methods to prevent accidents and injuries. More information on how to safely dispose of these batteries can be read here or watched below.
Risk Management Guidance
Dawn Cluett, a Risk Consultant at Zurich UK, suggests the following for better safety in refuse collection:
1. Conduct Risk Assessments
This is required by law. This proactive approach not only helps protect the health and safety of refuse collectors and others that could be affected but helps identify potential risks such as: exposure to harmful substances, moving vehicles, use of machinery, slips and trips, violence/aggression (from members of the public) and injuries from manual handling of waste. Our guide to risk management can be downloaded here.
2. Safe Systems of Work (SSOW)
Writing clear procedures for safe work, including hazardous materials. This includes training workers to handle hazardous waste safely and provide containers for batteries and toxic substances.
3. Training Programs
Regular training is key to teach safe practices, hazard recognition, personal hygiene and emergency responses. This training should include real-life scenarios to ensure workers understand the risks they face and the necessary precautions they should take.
4. Occupational Health Surveillance
Assessing physical and mental health of workers is a proactive way of monitoring health and exposure to hazards that can affect health overtime. Surveillance should focus on: musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory issues, skin disorders, stress, hearing issues and preventive care, including vaccinations.
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Providing adequate PPE is crucial for protecting workers against potential hazards. This includes:
- Well fitting, high visibility, cut-resistant clothing
- Gloves, safety footwear, goggles, hearing, and respiratory protection
- Training workers in PPE use to reduce risk of injury
6. Planned, Preventative Maintenance
Regular maintenance and inspection of refuse collection vehicles and machinery are essential to prevent failures that could lead to accidents. Additionally roust fault reporting procedures can mitigate the risk associated with injury.
7. Emergency Response Plans
Plans should include procedures for crushing incidents, fires, and hazardous exposure, and should be developed and updated regularly. Conducting regular drills can prepare workers for real-life emergencies.
8. Public Awareness Initiatives
Educating the public on waste disposal can help to reduce risk faced by refuse collection workers. Campaigns can inform residents about battery disposal dangers if not done correctly as well as the importance of hazardous waste separation.
9. Adopting Technological Solutions
Investing in technology can enhance safety measures in refuse collection. Modern refuse collection vehicles equipped with advanced safety features, such as automated lifting mechanisms and real-time monitoring systems, can help reduce the risk of accidents. Additionally, wearable technology that monitors workers' health and safety in real-time can provide early warnings of potential hazards.
Creating a positive safety culture at work helps employees prioritise their health and safety. It also encourages them to report concerns without worrying about getting into trouble. Having a clear system to report incidents, near-misses, and safety violations helps organisations spot potential hazards early. This way, they can take action to fix issues before they become serious.
Conclusion
Claims related to refuse collection show how important it is to have strong safety rules and manage risks well. By following the advice given, public service organisations can make the job safer for refuse collectors. Keeping these workers safe not only protects their well-being but also helps improve the service's reputation, efficiency, and effectiveness, which benefits the communities they serve.
