A comparison of manual handling risks in different domestic waste collection systems using three separate evaluation methods

Article


Thomas, D., Hare, B. and Evangelinos, K. 2021. A comparison of manual handling risks in different domestic waste collection systems using three separate evaluation methods. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics. 83, pp. 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2021.103111
TypeArticle
TitleA comparison of manual handling risks in different domestic waste collection systems using three separate evaluation methods
AuthorsThomas, D., Hare, B. and Evangelinos, K.
Abstract

One of the greatest challenges for Local Authorities (LAs) is to operate sustainable systems of work. The most significant causes of physical absence is attributed to that of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
The study’s aim was to compare the reliability of the manual handling element of the Health and Safety Executives (HSEs) risk comparator tool for different domestic waste collection methods with self-reported pain via body-mapping and MSD ill health
absence rates. Participatory body-mapping exercises were carried out in five authorities with one authority resurveyed, six months after the move from 35-50 litre containers to a wheeled bin recycling service.
The lowest levels of self-reported pain were for services designed with 240l wheeled bins excluding glass; the highest levels were for services that included 100l of garden waste sacks and recycling boxes. Industry data supports previous laboratory studies
showing wheeled bins to be associated with less MSD outcomes than boxes, baskets and sacks.
Triangulation of data established a statistically significant correlation of 0.85 (Pearson) between average pain count (APC) and the mean MSD absence rates, with a strong correlation of 0.77 (Spearman) between APC and risk rating. The correlation is
moderate, 0.49, (Spearman) between MSD absence and risk rating, reflecting possible intervening variables and a low participation rate by LAs.
The contribution of this study is to improve the design of sustainable waste collection strategies to minimise MSD associated absence. In the absence of reliable absence data, body mapping should be used as a proxy method of assessing MSD risk.

KeywordsLocal government; MSDs; Recycling; Waste collection; Risk comparator tool; Sustainable work
PublisherElsevier
JournalInternational Journal of Industrial Ergonomics
ISSN0169-8141
Electronic1872-8219
Publication dates
Online09 Mar 2021
Print01 May 2021
Publication process dates
Deposited20 Jan 2022
Accepted21 Feb 2021
Output statusPublished
Accepted author manuscript
License
Copyright Statement

© 2021. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2021.103111
Web of Science identifierWOS:000649615900002
LanguageEnglish
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