Reduction of hazards associated with domestic waste collection

Abstract

The vehicles and tasks associated with domestic waste collection present a number of hazards which are currently poorly characterized. This project was undertaken to draw up a profile of the actual working conditions and stressors associated with handling, vehicles, and work organization which influence worker safety.

Workload was measured using ergonomic techniques, work situations and vehicle layout were observed, workers, municipal managers and proprietors of waste transportation companies were interviewed, and occupational accidents were analyzed.

Risk factors for accidents related to collection and transport were described, and recommendations formulated concerning preventive measures, vehicle layout, handling activities, work organization, and management.

Produced Under this Project

Scientific Reports

Study of accidents risks in household waste collection Research Report: R-061
Study of accident risks in household waste collection Research Summary: PR-140
Study of accidents risks in household waste collection Research Summary: RR-061, RR-077

Scientific Publications

The effect of age on safety and work practices among domestic trash collectors in Québec
Cloutier E.
Source :
Safety Science, vol. 17, no 4, 1994, p. 291-308
Domestic waste collection
Bourdouxhe M.
Source :
Encyclopaedia of Occupational Health and Safety, 4th edition, Genève, Bureau international du travail, 1997, p. 101.12-101.14
Transfert et utilisation des résultats en milieu de travail : le cas de la recherche sur les éboueurs au Québec
Bourdouxhe M., Gratton L.
Source :
Pistes (Perspectives interdisciplinaires sur le travail et la santé), vol. 5, no 1, mai 2003, (www.pistes.uqam.ca/v5n1/articles/v5n1a8.htm)
La collecte des déchets domestiques
Bourdouxhe M.
Source :
in Encyclopédie de sécurité et de santé au travail, Stellman, J.M. (éd.), Genève, Bureau international du travail, 2000, p. 101.13-101.16
Recherche en sciences sociales et consultation en ergonomie : complémentarité et enrichissement des résultats
Bourdouxhe M., Guertin S.
Source :
in Les Journées de la Pratique en ergonomie, édition 2000 : L’ergonome et ses partenaires. Colloque organisé par l’Association canadienne d’ergonomie/ACE-Québec, (27-28 mai, 2000 : Saint-Paulin, Canada), 2000

Additional Information

Type: Project

Number: 0090-0090

Status: Completed

Research Field: OSH and Sustainable Prevention Work Environment

Team:

Madeleine Bourdouxhe (IRSST)
Serge Guertin (Ergo Norme inc.)
Esther Cloutier (IRSST)