Following 9 reported fatalities in 8 weeks, in the waste and recycling industry, seven of which were caused by vehicles, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have issued a Safety Alert to the industry.
Paul Harvey, Principal Inspector of HSE’s Waste and Recycling Section commented:
“The tragedy of these incidents must act as a stimulus for the industry to review its procedures, making sure that vehicle risks are properly controlled.
"Wherever possible pedestrians and vehicles should be segregated, paying special attention to transfer stations and sorting areas.
"Street collection activities need to address the risks to collection staff and other road and pavement users.
“Using reversing aids such as mirrors, CCTV, detectors and beacons do reduce the risks."In most public access areas you will usually need to provide reversing assistants, their job being to help the driver and prevent or warn pedestrians entering manoeuvring areas when the risks cannot be controlled adequately by other means.”
Further information regarding the 9 fatalities since December 2005, plus other useful information and advice on how to avoid such tragedies, can be accessed from the HSE Webpage by clicking the following:
Nine fatalities in eight weeks – HSE issues safety alert to Waste and Recycling industry
Article by Alexandra Johnston
