The “We Refuse Abuse” campaign has been launched by the waste management company this week to call for an end to violence and aggression against waste staff.
The campaign will run throughout August to highlight the almost daily incidents against Suez collection crews, street cleansing workers and staff based at household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).
John Scanlon, Suez recycling and recovery UK CEO, commented: “A very small minority of aggressive individuals have caused members of our team enormous stress and upset and we want to ensure this upward trend in verbal and physical assaults does not continue.”
The trend mirrors wider national concerns over the treatment of frontline staff in various sectors. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has highlighted waste collection work as a higher-risk profession, due in part to the increasing frequency of aggressive encounters with the public.
Greater Manchester, Devon and Cornwall lead in incidents
According to figures published by Suez, there were 318 reported incidents of abuse last year, with more than 240 of those occurring at HWRCs.
Greater Manchester, and Devon and Cornwall recorded the highest number of incidents at 64 each, followed closely by London and the South East with 54, 35 of which occurred at the Barrowell Green site in Enfield.
Doncaster in South Yorkshire also emerged as a hotspot, with 37 incidents of abuse against street crews reported.
To reinforce the campaign’s message, Suez has produced a short film featuring real-life examples of abuse, captured via CCTV and bodycam footage.
Scanlon added: “The people driving the refuse collection vehicle or standing next to a bay at a recycling centre don’t make the rules, but they are very often on the receiving end of unacceptable behaviour.
“We are committed to supporting our employees and working with local authorities and the police to ensure that all incidents are taken seriously and appropriate action is taken against offenders. Together, we refuse abuse.”
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