HSE warns waste firms

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a safety alert to the waste and recycling industry following nine reported deaths in eight weeks. In seven instances, workers were killed by being struck by a vehicle.

“These incidents must act as a stimulus for the industry to review its procedures, making sure that vehicle risks are properly controlled,” said HSE principal inspector Paul Harvey. “Wherever possible, pedestrians and vehicles should be segregated. Street collection activities need to address the risks to staff and other road and pavement users.”

HSE research in 2004 revealed that the fatal injury accident rate in the waste industry was ten times the national rate.