Health and Safety in the Waste Management and Recycling industries - Health and Safety in the Recovered Paper Sector

Recovery of paper is an integral part of UK recycling and is the most important raw material for the British paper and board industry. Figures for 2003 confirm 4.4 million tonnes of recycled paper were re-used in UK Papermaking, making the paper industry the UK's most successful recycler.

Before paper can be recycled, it is collected, sorted, graded and baled prior to transportation to mills. All these stages, unless properly controlled, can cause injury. Where balers and compactors are used there is also a risk of death.

In January 2004 the British Recovered Paper Association became part of The Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) and one of their objectives is to address the issue of health and safety in the recovered paper industry.

Following the successful implementation, development and maintenance of a scheme implemented by the Papermaking Sector a benchmark was established, and subsequently an action plan for the recovered paper industry has been drawn up to target;

• Balers and compactors;
• Transport;
• Slips trips and falls;
• Training

To ensure improvements in Health and Safety are driven forward, the CPI will;

• provide regular analysis of all RIDDOR reportable accidents for members at depot level, (to use for targeting specific areas of concern, and to measure the impact of activities).
• continue representation on the Paper and Board Industry Advisory Committee (PABIAC), working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Unions, and other CPI sector bodies to ensure a strategic tripartite approach to further development and implementation.
• recommend specific policies for the industry, so that best practice can be shared by members
• encourage industry participation, networking and facilitate best practice via Regional Health and Safety meetings
• promote health and safety standards for all CPI Recovered Paper Sector Members outlined in HSE's guidance documents "Recover Paper Safely" and "Transporting Paper Safely".

CPI together with industry, has produced an IOSH accredited training course specifically aimed at first line mangers, supervisors and employees working to underpin the 'Recover Paper Safely' guidance document.

CPI, through its dedicated public and member's area website, continues to provide Members with access to all relevant statistical analysis, action plans and guidance documents associated with the initiatives. You can visit the CPI website.

Ergonomics at materials recycling facilities

Guidance setting out how to design sorting stations taking account of human body dimensions is now available. Conveyor belts are used in several industries to move materials. Using these systems in the workplace, can reduce the risks of musculoskceletal injury (MSD) by avoiding the need for repetitive lifting and carrying.

However, conveyor belt workstations must be properly designed to ensure that operators do not excessively lean, stoop, twist, or over reach. As these repetitive movements can lead to musculoskeletal injury.

The workplace, size of the conveyor, type, through-put and height of material, and how material is handled, are all factors to consider when assessing the risk of MSD's in a task undertaken at a conveyor.

The guidance considers these and many more issues, and gives practical, well illustrated solutions.

• Ergonomic Considerations for Designing and Selecting Conveyor Belt Systems [861kb]