A study published by the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has warned that box waste collections typically used by Councils for recycling waste could be causing long-term musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) for workers. They urge local authorities who use this type of service for waste collections to discontinue them as a matter of urgency.
The study carried out by the University of Greenwich used body mapping to observe worker's MSDs experiences. Workers identified where they felt pain or discomfort during work activities and recorded the results on a chart or questionnaire. Self-reported pain by waste collection workers was found to be at its highest in both the lower and upper back, shoulders and spine.
Bin waste collection services were found to have fewer MSDs associated with their use than boxes and bag collections.
Dr David Thomas, Academic Portfolio Lead in the School of Design at the University of Greenwich and a Member of IOSH’s Environmental and Waste Management Group Committee, commented: ''The findings of this research present a timely opportunity for organisations to consider how they protect their workforces. Rather than organisations focusing on generic ‘capability’ for a ‘fit youngster’ they need to consider how they accommodate an ever-increasing ageing workforce when developing systems of work. It is also an opportunity for organisations to accept that their current methods of managing work can create ill-health problems and consider ways to make workforces more sustainable in the future including changing systems of work.''
Unison’s Head of Local Government, Jon Richards added: ''Workers in the waste sector are in dangerous, physically demanding and stressful roles. Musculoskeletal disorders are among the many common causes of ill health, along with stress, depression, anxiety and road accidents. We welcome the findings of this report and the steps outlined to reduce the physical impact on workers.''
