HSE Releases New Guidance for Better Safety Practices in Recycling Industry
Local Authorities in the
The guidance intends to cut down on the number of deaths and injuries in the recycling industry. The sector accounts for nine times more occupational deaths and almost four times more workers’ injuries as compared to
The HSE believes one of the contributing factors to these fatal accidents and injuries is that Local Authorities are not fully conscious of their duties under the law and so get lax after the work of waste collection and recycling is contracted out.
The HSE has also initiated a new series of regional programmes, which will be attended by representatives of the Local Authorities. The idea behind holding these events is that the LA representatives will discuss new ideas, actions and plans for effective management solutions as well as learn more about the guidance.
Speaking at the first such event HSE Chair Judith Hackitt expressed hope that the guidance will help Local Authorities to grasp their entire role in dealing with waste and recycling contractors. She said the HSE wanted occupational health and safety issues to be the basis of a commonsensical process for the procurement and management of waste and recycling contracts.
Later in the year, the HSE will kick off an investigation into the workings of the Local Authority waste services departments. It says inspectors will take a close look at the professional dealings between the LAs and their contractors and if any improvements have been introduced to foster health and safety while waste and recycling work is carried out.
For training and support for organisations in attaining their health and safety objectives, click NEBOSH Distance Learning to learn about the importance of promoting a positive health and safety culture in the workplace environment and for information on the web-based training programme from Workplace Law leading to the award of the NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health.
