Date of Issue: October 03, 2005
Hazard Summary
Garbage collecting may not seem extremely hazardous, but research shows that it can be dangerous and even deadly. The nature of the accidents range from lifting, pushing or pulling objects to being struck by vehicles.
Responsibility for occupational health and safety is shared by everyone connected with the workplace - employers, employees, self-employed, contractors, etc. (Occupational Health and Safety - A Shared Responsibility).
Where a business has 5 or more employees, an employer will need an occupational health and safety policy and a health and safety representative. Where a business has 20 or more employees, an employer will need an occupational health and safety program (in addition to the policy) and a joint occupational health and safety committee (Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committees and Safety Representatives).
Hazards and Job Hazard Analysis:
Potential hazards in this industry are many and varied. They may range from lifting, and falls, to eye and hand injuries, to waste contents - which may contain broken glass, pressurized containers, hazardous and infectious materials. All employers are encouraged to do a job hazard analysis, together with their employees. The job hazard analysis allows those most closely associated with the work to identify hazards that are likely to occur with their particular operations and vehicles. Once the hazards are identified, safe job procedures should be developed to determine the best and safest way to way to perform the job tasks.
Vehicles:
It is important for employers to follow manufacturer's specifications and recommendations for the operation and maintenance of their vehicles. Again, employers and employees will benefit from doing a job hazard analysis and developing safe work procedures for identified hazards. Issues to consider with these vehicles include:
- a written lock-out procedure is required if an operator climbs into bins or works inside the collector cargo area, or if they are working on hydraulics/moving parts
- operate the controls only when you and your partner are clear of compartments and moving part
- ensure collector visibility for both the driver and the motoring public
- operations and safety decals supplied by the vehicle manufacturer should remain visible and legible
- collecting procedures should be done without person(s) or the vehicle crossing the road
- collecting procedures should not involve getting on or off the vehicle while in motion
- most manufacturers do not allow riders outside of the drivers compartment; consult your vehicle's owner's manual
- all vehicles should have adequate lighting for employees to perform their operations safely
- seat belts should be worn when moving
- cables need to be checked regularly as specified by the vehicle manufacturer
- forks, on front loaders, should be pointed up when travelling for visibility and safety
- a buzzer in driver's cab or some other adequate means of communication to let driver know when to proceed
Preventive Measures:
Training-Orientation
Employee training is an effective way to reduce injuries and accidents. The specific areas of training will be determined by the types of activity the job requires. Areas of training an employer may consider include:
- proper lifting techniques
- first aid
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System
- Lock-out procedures
- training in the company's safety rules and safety program
- hazard identification
To ensure consistency and effectiveness it is advised that a written training program should be in place.
Personal Protective Equipment
The Occupational Safety General Regulations requires personal protective equipment to be used by employees where certain hazards exists. Personal protective equipment for employees in this industry includes:
- CSA approved footwear with non-skid, puncture resistant soles
- Hand protection, leather or neoprene or equivalent
- CSA Approved reflective traffic control vests or similar high visibility clothing
- CSA approved eye protection
Consideration should also be given to long pants and long sleeve shirt, and CSA approved head protection where there is a hazard of a falling object.
First Aid
First Aid supplies and services are required by the First Aid Regulations. (Be Prepared: First Aid Supplies and Services)
Hazardous and Infectious Materials and Hygiene
There are numerous potentially hazardous and infectious materials (paint thinners, flammables, pesticides, pressurized containers, needles) that can find their way into the waste stream. (Chemicals in the Workplace). Employers should consider the following issues:
- ensure adequate clean-up procedures prior to eating and drinking
- make waterless hand cleaner available where necessary
- employers should seek medical advice regarding vaccination for Tetanus and Hepatitis B
- fresh drinking water should be avaliable in the vehicle where it may not be available on route
- access to toilet facilities on route
Relevant Standards include:
- EN 1501-1: Refuse Collection Vehicles and Their Associated Lifting Devices - General Requirements and Safety Requirements - Part 1: Rear-End Loaded Refuse Collection Vehicles
- ANSI Z245.1-1999: Refuse Collection, Processing, and Disposal Equipment - Mobile Refuse Collection and Compaction Equipment - Safety Requirements
The following links provide additional information: