Workers perform various tasks in waste management and disposal including collection, sorting, transportation, disposal, and equipment cleaning/maintenance. Hazards include musculoskeletal injuries from heavy lifting, cuts/punctures, exposure to hazardous materials, and various safety hazards. Preventive measures include using lifting aids, proper handling of unknown waste, appropriate PPE, safety training, ergonomic practices, equipment maintenance, and following established procedures.
Workers perform various tasks in waste management and disposal including collection, sorting, transportation, disposal, and equipment cleaning/maintenance. Hazards include musculoskeletal injuries from heavy lifting, cuts/punctures, exposure to hazardous materials, and various safety hazards. Preventive measures include using lifting aids, proper handling of unknown waste, appropriate PPE, safety training, ergonomic practices, equipment maintenance, and following established procedures.
Workers perform various tasks in waste management and disposal including collection, sorting, transportation, disposal, and equipment cleaning/maintenance. Hazards include musculoskeletal injuries from heavy lifting, cuts/punctures, exposure to hazardous materials, and various safety hazards. Preventive measures include using lifting aids, proper handling of unknown waste, appropriate PPE, safety training, ergonomic practices, equipment maintenance, and following established procedures.
JOB STEPS HAZARDS PREVENTIVE MEASURES COLLECTION OF WASTE: Workers may need to lift and move heavy Use Mechanical Aids: Encourage the use of Waste collectors gather garbage, bins, containers, or equipment, leading to mechanical lifting aids such as forklifts, pallet recyclables, or hazardous materials musculoskeletal injuries such as strains, jacks, hoists, or conveyor belts to assist with heavy from residential, commercial, or sprains, or back injuries. lifting tasks. These tools can reduce the physical industrial areas using trucks, bins, or Risk of cuts or puncture wounds from strain on workers and minimize the risk of containers. sharp objects in waste materials. musculoskeletal injuries. Risk of exposure to hazardous chemicals Use caution when handling unknown waste or substances in certain types of waste. materials; utilize hazard communication labels. SORTING AND SEPARATION OF Risk of exposure to biohazardous waste if Provide training on proper handling and WASRE: not properly handled. segregation of different types of waste. Workers sort and separate different Risk of inhalation or contact with toxic Use appropriate PPE such as gloves and masks. types of waste, such as recyclables, substances if waste is mishandled. organic matter, and hazardous Risk of physical strain or injury from Ensure adequate ventilation in the segregation materials, to facilitate recycling, repetitive movements during segregation. area to minimize exposure to harmful substances. composting, or proper disposal. Implement ergonomic practices to reduce strain on the body during repetitive tasks. TRANSPORTATION OF WASTE: Risk of slips, trips, and falls due to spills or Keep walkways clear and clean to prevent slips and Workers load segregated waste uneven surfaces. trips. materials onto designated vehicles, Risk of strain or injury from lifting heavy Use mechanical aids such as dollies or carts to such as trucks, vans, or containers, waste containers onto transportation transport heavy waste containers. for transportation to disposal facilities vehicles. Ensure waste containers are properly sealed and or recycling centers. Risk of exposure to harmful fumes or secured to prevent leaks or spills. gases if waste is not properly contained. Provide adequate ventilation in transportation Exposure to hazardous materials due to vehicles to minimize exposure to harmful leaks, spills, or improper handling during substances. transport. Conduct pre-trip inspections to check for leaks, damage, or loose fittings. DISPOSAL OF WASTE: Risk of exposure to hazardous substances Follow established procedures for handling and Workers unload waste materials at during waste disposal activities. disposing of hazardous waste.
designated disposal facilities, such Risk of injury from moving parts of waste Ensure waste disposal equipment is properly
as landfills, incinerators, or disposal equipment. maintained and guarded.
Risk of contamination or pollution if waste Provide training on safe operation of waste recycling plants, according to is improperly disposed of. disposal equipment. waste management regulations Physical hazards, such as falls from Monitor disposal activities to ensure compliance and guidelines. height, collapse of excavation pits, or engulfment in landfill sites. with environmental regulations. Implement fall protection measures, such as guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall arrest systems. CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE Risk of electrical shock if equipment is not Ensure equipment is properly grounded and OF WASTE MANAGEMENT properly maintained. inspected regularly for electrical safety. EQUIPMENT Risk of injury from moving parts or pinch Follow lockout/tagout procedures when performing Workers clean and maintain waste points during cleaning or maintenance maintenance on equipment. management equipment, such as activities. Use appropriate PPE such as gloves and safety collection vehicles, containers, or Risk of exposure to hazardous substances goggles during cleaning and maintenance. processing machinery, to ensure if equipment is not properly cleaned. Provide training on safe cleaning and maintenance optimal performance and longevity. procedures.