The start of 2023 has seen a series of accidents in various parts of the waste and recycling sector, all are currently under investigation.
2 of these accidents highlight what safety measures should be implemented if these activities are carried out.
A worker at a waste transfer station was struck and killed by a 360 degree excavator. Workplace transport is one the leading causes of fatal and serious injuries in the waste and recycling sector.
If you operate vehicles on your site you must ensure that you keep traffic routes safe and separate people from vehicles in the workplace. Further information can be found in the Safe Transport at Waste and Recycling Sites (.PDF) and the Hand Sorting of Recyclables With Vehicle Assistance (.PDF).
A worker was killed when he was caught and lifted into the hopper of a Refuse Collection Vehicle (RCV). If you operate RCVs you should review your systems of work, in particular when it is appropriate to use bin lift mechanisms in automatic mode.
More information on automatic bin lifting equipment can be found in the automatic bin lifting equipment on RCV's guidance (.PDF).
WISH has produced new guidance aimed at all professionals and users involved in developing and operating Material Recycling Facilities (MRFs).
The guidance explains how to control and reduce some of the key health and safety risks associated with designing and operating MRFs.
The guidance can be found in the Safe Design and Operation of MRFs (.PDF)
Recent enforcement activity includes:
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