Paul Harvey, HM principal inspector for the metals and minerals sector of the HSE, yesterday reminded the industry of guidelines on safety at landfill sites. Mr Harvey said: “Transport is the largest single cause of fatal accidents at landfill sites. The large number of vehicle movements on landfill sites places an onus on operators to minimise the risk to drivers, pedestrians and visitors.”
The announcement followed the death on January 6 of a 60-year-old refuse collector in an accident at a landfill site in Hampshire (see letsrecycle.com story). It is believed that the man was crushed under the wheels of a refuse collection vehicle.
Mr Harvey commented: “This tragic incident is a timely reminder that workplace transport risks must be properly controlled on all landfill sites.” He added: “The rules for landfill sites are clear, keep vehicles and pedestrians separate and provide safe sites, vehicles and systems of work.”
Mr Harvey outlined four main types of safety that must be provided by landfill operators:
- A safe site should segregate vehicles and pedestrians and have clearly defined roadways and operating areas. Local rules should define one-way systems, speed limits, tipping zones, distances between tipping vehicles, pedestrian policy and induction procedures.
- Safe vehicles should be regularly checked and maintained, suit the areas they work in, and have reversing aids such as CCTV or all-round mirrors.
- Safe ways of working are provided when discharge areas are defined, restraints prevent people falling over edges, there is sufficient separation between tipping vehicles and pedestrians are kept to a minimum in vehicle operating areas.
- Safe workers and visitors need controlled pedestrian access, high visibility clothing, full training and knowledge and enforcement of local rules.
For a copy of the HSE leaflet 'Waste Industry Safety and Health, Reducing the Risks', click here.
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