Recycling biodegradable waste
Composting, the recycling of organic wastes such as vegetation and food waste, reduces the amount of waste going to landfill and is therefore a rapidly growing sector. The trade body, Association for Organics Recycling (formerly The Composting Association), publishes health and safety guidance for its members:
Main injury risks
- Transport, including vehicle movements, falls during sheeting operations, poor site layout and control, reversing and visibility issues. There is a risk of collisions if moving plant/vehicles and pedestrians are not adequately segregated.
- Machinery, including system failures to control the risks associated with shredders, conveyors and bagging operations.
- Slips and trips, including failure to control material spillages.
Main occupational ill-health concerns
- Respiratory problems caused by exposure to dusts and bioaerosols.
- Musculoskeletal injury from manual handling.
- Dermatitis caused by poor handling practices and inadequate welfare facilities.
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