Local authorities reminded of their health and safety responsibilities ahead of waste and recycling inspection programme

Date:

13 September 2010

Local authorities are being reminded to check that they are clear on their health and safety responsibilities in procuring and managing waste and recycling services, ahead of a programme of inspections that will begin next month.

Over the next three years, inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will look at the procurement and management of municipal waste and recycling services following the introduction of guidance in January that clarifies the legal duties on local authorities, whether they deliver them in-house or contract them out. Some mistakenly believe that contracting out these services relieves them of health and safety responsibilities.

HSE Inspector, Wayne Williams, will be speaking tomorrow (Tuesday 14 September) on Day 1 of the RWM10 exhibition at the Birmingham NEC to address some of the issues and to provide some helpful information on what they need to do as clients.

"Despite recent improvements, the performance of the waste and recycling sector is still poor compared with others. The industry has nine times more fatal accidents than the national average and four times as many workers suffer injuries.

"As well as dealing with those authorities that have systems and processes that need improvement, we want to use our inspections to identify areas of good practice which can be shared with others. We've worked with local authorities and members of the Waste Industry Health and Safety (WISH) forum, amongst others, to develop the guidance. We have also run a series of regional events, giving local authorities the opportunity to ask questions, share their experiences with others and seek advice on potential management solutions. Nothing should come as a surprise.

"We are encouraging local authorities to come and see us at this event and get any help or advice they need. As clients local authorities have real influence on how services are delivered and they need to be using this influence to ensure it is done safely."

The guidance gives practical information on how to make health and safety an integral part of the procurement and contract management process. It is available at www.hse.gov.uk/waste/services

Notes to editors

1. The Health and Safety Executive is Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice; promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice; and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. For more information, visit hse.gov.uk
2. The Waste Industry Safety and Health (WISH) Forum represents the main stakeholders in the waste and recycling industry and provides information, identifies solutions and stimulates action across the industry to ensure the health, safety and well-being of those working in the industry and those affected by its activities.
3. On 14 January 2009, the WISH Forum launched its strategy to improve performance in the industry. The strategy has five key objectives relating to reducing accident numbers, ill health, management, safety culture and competence. For more information, visit hse.gov.uk/waste/wish

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