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Fall from a waste container

Introduction

Large waste containers are used in many different industrial waste collection operations including the paper and board industries, refuse tips, scrap metal collection etc. Container heights are typically 2 - 3 metres; an example is shown in figure 1. Workers need access to the top of the containers to place waste into them, and to fix sheets over the top of them for weatherproofing and to prevent the contents being removed in transit.

Accident description

At a council waste transfer depot, an employee suffered two fractured ribs and various cuts and bruises when he fell from the top of a waste container. He had climbed on top of the container to remove a piece of wood that was hanging over the side. He lost his balance and fell to the ground.

Business costs and benefits

Cost of accident

• The council were prosecuted as a result of the investigation and their fine was £25000. In addition there were costs the council incurred in investigating the incident and preparing for court.

Costs of preventative measures

• The cost of fitting a working platform to access waste containers is estimated at between £8000 and £10000. This also improved the organisation of work on site as the platform was needed to access the containers, meaning that there was a defined work process.
• The cost of a vehicle mounted automatic sheeting device is between £3000 and £4000 when retrofitted to existing vehicles.

Benefits

• Automatic sheeting devices provide an added advantage of increased sheeting speed over manual sheeting.

Reducing risk of falls

The risk of falls from containers can be reduced by:

• Use of vehicle mounted auto sheeting devices (shown in figure 2) so employees do not need to access the top to cover the containers.
• Installing working platforms/access gantries (shown in figure 3) and guard rails around the containers.
• Use of safety harnesses to reduce risk of injury should a fall occur.

Source Health & Safety Executive