WISH (in consultation with the HSE) have recently released a position statement relating to the use of bin lift cycles with links to WISH REF02 (Safe operation of waste and recycling vehicles), highlighting a case studies relating to the types of accidents and fatalities that have occurred through the use of automatic lift cycles where:
- Clothing has become entangled in the lifting mechanism or the bin itself, resulting in operatives being dragged into hoppers, or injured within lifting machinery
- Operatives have attempted to clear material from the hopper or sensors, accidentally activating the automatic cycle and being dragged into the hopper
- Operatives have had limbs clamped or crushed by the lifting mechanism
- Members of the public have attempted to load bins or decant bagged waste themselves, accidentally activating the bin lift and becoming entangled in machinery or being dragged into the hopper
- Bins have fallen from lifts during the collection cycle striking operatives
What action should the industry be taking?
All operators should have in place, safe systems of work, including suitable and sufficient risk assessments, relevant and up-to-date training and instruction to operatives regarding the correct use of cycle modes including:
- Designing out or eliminating hazards as far as reasonably practicable
- Identifying unsafe loads including damaged, overweight or over filled bins
- Appropriate use of manual vs automatic lifting modes (Not emptying 1100 litre bins using an automatic mode and using manual lifting cycles for rural rounds where bins are few and far between, to reduce risk)
- Using manual modes when handling bagged waste or excess waste, which is decanted directly in to the hopper
- Monitoring, instructing and supervision of operatives to ensure effective compliance with risk assessments, procedures, and training
- Correct use of safe zones during the tipping cycle
- Ensuring a safe process is in place for clearing blockages from the hopper or lifting equipment to include engagement of the manual lifting cycle
- Ensuring, as far as possible that operatives and members of the public do not approach an open bin lift, which is in automatic mode
What does the industry guidance say?
WISH are urging RCV operators to review their use of automatic lifting equipment against:
-WISH WASTE 04 (Safe operation of waste and recycling collection vehicles)
-WISH INFO 10 (Safe use of refuse collection bin lifters and bins) Updated
-WISH REF02 (Case studies – Bin lifters and bins on waste collection lorries)
WISH and the HSE are also encouraging the waste industry and its suppliers to work collaboratively to develop effective and practical physical controls to end serious injuries and fatalities through the use of automatic bin cycles.
