Statistics show that waste collection is one of the most dangerous jobs, at times more dangerous than police work but consistently less dangerous than
commercial fishing and ranch and farm work. On-the-job hazards include broken glass,
medical waste such as
syringes, caustic chemicals, objects falling out of overloaded containers, diseases that may accompany solid waste,
asbestos,
dog attacks and
pests, inhaling dust, smoke and chemical fumes, severe weather, traffic accidents, and unpleasant smells that can make someone physically sick. Risks also exist from working in close proximity to traffic hazards and using heavy machinery (such as container lifters and compactors) on
collection vehicles.
Refuse Collection Vehicle Safety In most countries worldwide, waste collectors operate moving vehicles to aid in gathering garbage. There are several types of waste-collecting vehicles: front-load trucks, rear-load trucks, side-load trucks, and roll-on-off trucks. Waste collecting trucks can be automatic or semi-automatic, lessening the ergonomic challenges for workers. Lifting and loading waste bins remains the main ergonomic stressor associated with the waste-collecting occupation. Collectors are at risk of developing work-related
musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). Risk for injury includes a risk of falling off the truck while it is moving, being run-over by passing motor vehicles, being run over when a waste-collecting truck is reversing, slipping and falling off the refuse vehicle, and losing or otherwise injuring limbs due to getting caught in equipment. Waste-collecting vehicles can expose workers to higher amounts of
exhaust as many have exhaust pipes located on the back of the vehicle.
Safety Hazards of Waste Waste collecting involves the collection of
municipal waste and
hazardous waste, which can introduce exposure to biological, chemical, physical, and psychosocial hazards. In the U.S., hazardous waste collection is monitored by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Alongside the EPA, the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) works closely to establish guidelines for hazardous waste disposal. Municipal waste collectors often are exposed to amounts of hazardous waste because a degree of hazardous waste is permissible in municipal waste;
developing countries have a higher risk of hazardous waste contaminating municipal waste due to early infrastructure and less tightly regulated systems. Physical hazards include ergonomic hazards such as development of WMSD such as sprains, strains, and tears. The job requires much repetitive lifting and pulling of waste material of varying weight, bending over, and movement in awkward positions. Despite assistance from refuse collection trucks, waste collectors often must haul garbage and recyclables to the truck and most still engage in a degree of lifting waste into the vehicle. Many waste collecting jobs are conducted outside, exposing workers to weather conditions, such as
extreme heat or cold, that can pose additional health risks, while also putting waste collectors in close proximity to moving vehicles, which can result in them being hit by cars. With a multitude of tangible hazards, waste collectors are at risk for
psychosocial hazards as it is a physically taxing job involving long hours, median pay, and not well socially supported.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) For the U.S., OSHA provides guidelines for
PPE. Those disposing of waste, including hazardous waste, medical waste, municipal waste, and other waste from collection sites, are encouraged to follow OSHA guidelines as necessary. Basic PPE includes wearing gloves, goggles or other eye protection equipment, coveralls, face-shield and steel-toed boots or shoes. Proper training is an essential part of protecting waste collectors from injury or illness. RCRA training is required of those who handle hazardous waste. ==Society and culture==