Waste and recycling inspection programme to launch next
month
Following findings that the number of fatal accidents in the
waste and recycling sector is far higher than the national average,
an inspection programme is being launched to ensure local
authorities and other businesses are fulfilling their health and
safety responsibilities.
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Inspector, Wayne Williams,
said, “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.”
Prior to next month's inspection programme launch - which will
investigate the procurement and management of municipal waste and
recycling services - local authorities are being reminded to ensure
they are aware of their H&S responsibilities, whether they
deliver them in-house or contract them out.
Inspectors from the HSE will assess councils over the next three
years to check they are following guidance introduced in January
which clarified their legal duties.
Mr Williams said, “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.”