Recover paper safely

HSE Press Release E016:04 - 9 February 2004

A new advice leaflet on improving health and safety in the recovered paper industry will be launched on Wednesday 25 February 2004 at a free half-day seminar, aimed at those working in the recovered paper industry.

On Wednesday 25 February 2004, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), in partnership with industry stakeholders, leading manual handling trainers Pristine Condition and Shoesmiths Solicitors, invite employers and employees from the industry along to a free half-day seminar, at the Forest of Arden Hotel, Coventry.

Talking about the seminar James Barrett, Head of HSE's Manufacturing Sector said:

"Recycling paper is big business. Most of us do it, and more and more local authorities are making it one of their top priorities to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. But how many people know that recycling paper can be fatal?"

"All too often the health and safety of people working in the industry is given insufficient attention, the machinery used, including conveyors and balers, is straightforward but accidents at these machines sometimes, sadly result in loss of life. Bulk paper is heavy and many of the workers suffer from bad backs or other musculoskeletal problems."

At the seminar Pristine Condition's Dave Snowdon, will demonstrate how to prevent back injuries and other musculoskeletal problems. Ron Reed, a
partner with Shoesmiths Solicitors, will outline the legal responsibilities of employers from an
experienced advocate's view, and Mike Wilcock from HSE will talk about health and safety and launch the new guidance.

Notes to editors

1. HSE's Manufacturing Sector covers a wide range of industries, including engineering, shipbuilding and repair, motor vehicle repair, textiles, printing, wood working, paper, rubber, plastics, metals, foundries, ceramics, quarries, glass, concrete, cement, and waste recycling - in all employing around 4 million working people.

2. The recovered paper industry has been growing in the past few years and is dominated by small firms, who collect, sort and bale waste paper for recycling by papermakers. At the same time the number of people killed and injured in the industry has grown, so that the recycling industry now has one of the highest rates of fatal accidents in any industry in the UK. One of the highest causes of fatal injuries in the recovered paper industry is becoming trapped or crushed in a paper baler, and the new guidance specifically sets out revised advice on how to prevent these accidents. See also HSE Press Release E004.04, "Machines Still Kill".

3. The new publication for the paper recycling industry, "Recover Paper Safely" (INDG 392) will be launched at an event for the industry on 25 February at The Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel, Maxstoke Lane, Meriden, Coventry. Single copies are available, free, from HSE Books.

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