This comes after “extensive preparation” from South Cambridgeshire council, which evaluated the risks of workers wearing shorts while emptying bins, which includes cuts from glass and other sharp items.
The council also urged residents to play their part in helping by keeping glass inside their recycling bin only and not in additional clear sacks.
Last year’s heatwave regularly saw temperatures peaking 30 degrees, and while the council said it provided workers with sun cream and water, many had asked if they could wear shorts to help deal with the weather. The council says workers regularly walk the equivalent of half a marathon on every shift.
Trial
The trial will run until October, when the outcome of the trial will be evaluated before any future permanent arrangements are discussed or put in place.
Commenting on the trial, Bill Handley, South Cambridgeshire district council’s lead cabinet member for environmental services and licensing, said: “We’re always open to suggestions as to how we can make their jobs easier and, in this case, crews have approached us asking if they can be allowed to wear shorts. Their health and safety is paramount but we’ve listened to their feedback and arranged this trial; we’ll be keeping a close eye on how.”
This was echoed by Cllr Rosy Moore, Cambridge City council’s executive councillor for climate change, environment and city centre, who added: “Our crews do a tough job that is even more tiring during the increasingly regular hot weather that we’re having, and so we will always listen to their suggestions to make them more comfortable.”
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