IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Improvement of health and safety conditions in recyclable-waste sorting plants

Abstract

The objective of the government of Québec's integrated waste-management policy is to halve the volume of waste by 2008. To date, this policy has elicited the creation of forty recyclable-waste sorting plants. Working conditions in these plants have not been studied in any detail, and several regional health and social services boards, anxious to establish adequate health programmes, as well as joint sectoral associations, have expressed interest in documenting the hazards associated with waste-sorting plants. Chemical, physical, and biological contaminants and ergonomic stressors were therefore measured in representative sorting centres. The hazards present were identified and evaluated, and measures designed to eliminate them at their source proposed.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0095-8140
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 1998
Team:
  • Jacques Lavoie (IRSST)
  • Serge Guertin (Ergo Norme inc.)