Green Waste Handling & Disposal Risk Assessment

Typical hazards & measures

• Slips, trips and uneven ground — Survey routes before movement; clear trip hazards and mark holes, kerbs and slippery algae. Use anti-slip boots with ankle support; keep hands free by using trolleys where possible. Maintain tidy stacking, good lighting, and wet-weather protocols with slower pace and spotters.
• Bioaerosols, mould and spores in waste — Treat mouldy loads as higher risk; avoid tearing bags. Dampen dusty waste; load gently to avoid bursts. Use FFP3 respirators when handling decomposed material; keep exposure time short. Wash hands before breaks; change contaminated PPE; segregate and label suspect loads.
• Cold, wet weather and wind chill — Issue waterproof layered PPE and thermal gloves; keep spares available to change when soaked. Warm-up breaks in heated shelter with hot drinks; rotate cold-exposed tasks. Adjust pace, stop for lightning or severe gusts, and ensure vehicles provide emergency refuge.
• Lone working and poor communications — Avoid lone work where possible; if unavoidable, use dynamic risk assessment and permit. Set check-in schedules via phone/app; provide man-down alarms and accurate location details. Define “no-go” tasks alone (e.g., tipping, lifting ops) and escalate if contact is missed.
• Heat stress and sun exposure — Schedule heavy tasks for cooler periods; provide shade, water and rest breaks. Use lightweight breathable PPE, sun hats and SPF 30+; brief on heat illness signs. Pair workers to monitor each other and allow self-paced work; reassign if symptoms are reported.