Abstract

Although the hazards associated with waste collection are well documented, there has never been a study on the personal protective equipment (PPE) used by workers in this occupation. During this research conducted by the IRSST, the two ergonomists asked waste collectors working on dump trucks to complete a questionnaire on protective gloves and shoes. The following themes were presented to the refuse collectors: the risks of hand and foot injuries, the functional features looked for in protective gloves and footwear, the problems caused by present equipment, and collectors’ wish lists. Based on these features, the authors compiled a provisory list of gloves and footwear that could theoretically meet the needs of waste collectors in terms of protection and comfort. The PPE will be tested in the future.