The number of fatal injuries to workers in the waste sector in 2016/17 was 14; almost double the average for the past five years, according to the newly published HSE figures. This brings the total number of fatal injuries to workers in the waste sector over the last five years to 39. Around 4.0% of workers in the waste sector in UK sustained a workplace injury. This rate is statistically significantly higher than the rate for workers across all industries (1.9%).
The statistics find the most common occurrences of fatality in the sector are caused by being struck by a moving vehicle (23%), followed by contact with machinery (18%), followed by being struck by an object (15%).
The HSE has identified its priority areas for the waste and recycling sector saying it wants to see significant improvements in all areas of health and safety performance in the sector, including the following outcomes:
As part of the measures contained in the #HelpGBworkwell initiative, the HSE will secure effective management and control of risk by directing inspection and enforcement activity on risks posed by moving/reversing vehicles, contact with machinery and Musculo-skeletal diseases (MSD). SG World do a range of safety products including bespoke inspection solutions specifically for the waste sector. The inspections are designed for specialised, waste processing machinery such as Trommels, GIPOs, Loading Shovels and Hydroscreens, covering important safety features such as guards, handrails, warning lights, bleepers, clear access and emergency stop buttons.