Safeguarding Workers: Health Surveillance in the Waste Industry

In the waste collection and recycling industry, where employees are working outdoors and regularly encountering a range of substances - including chemicals or biological agents - and physical hazards, health surveillance has become an essential tool for employers.

Health Surveillance is a system of ongoing health checks for employees who are exposed to health risks at work. Through early detection, effective risk management, and compliance with regulations, health surveillance contributes to creating a safer and healthier workplace and helps waste management providers to:

·      Identify and mitigate occupational hazards

·      Prevent occupational diseases

·      Comply with regulations

·      Improve employee wellbeing and morale.

‍

What are the benefits of health surveillance in the waste industry?

Early Detection of Health Issues: Timely health surveillance enables the early detection of health issues.

Improved Risk Management: Health surveillance data provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of existing safety measures and risk control strategies. This information allows employers to refine and improve safety protocols, policies and procedures, reducing the overall risk of workplace injuries and illnesses.

Reduced Absenteeism and Healthcare Costs: By actively monitoring and managing the health of workers, the waste industry can actively support a healthier and more resilient workforce.

Enhanced Occupational Health and Safety Culture: Implementing health surveillance fosters a culture of good health and safety awareness within the organisation. This not only safeguards current employees but also attracts and retains skilled workers who are more likely to choose employers with strong safety practices.

‍

How can Staff Care Services help?

We provide a comprehensive range of Health Surveillance services including:

·      Hand Arm Vibration (HAVS)

·      Lung Function (Spirometry)

·      Hearing (Audiometry)

·      Skin Surveillance

·      Eye Test

·      Night Shift Worker Assessment

·      Drivers Medical

·      DSE Assessments (Remote).

Our popular service is used by waste management companies large and small, across both public and private sectors.

‍

What do our customers say about our service?

Phil Morgan, Director for CSG Managing Waste, is just one recent customer.

“As an organisation operating directly with – and for – the public on behalf of Kent County Council, CSG Managing Waste is focused on delivering a high-quality service every day and in all weathers. In order to achieve this we support  our staff by providing a programme of regular health checks to ensure they are fit and able to safely work within such an operational environment. This follows creating a baseline for each of our team to ensure that we monitor their progress with the complete focus on keeping them safe.

“We approached Staff Care Services for their help; they listened to our requirements and proposed a surveillance programme that exactly met our business needs whilst supporting our H&S controls and processes. CSG Managing Waste prides itself on being at the cutting-edge of the industry, and our health surveillance with Staff Care Services has been no exception.”

We also received further commendations for our work from Nick Webb, Waste Services Manager at CSG Managing Waste; download Nick’s testimonial here >>

For more information on Staff Care Services’ health surveillance and how we can help, please contact info@hrconnect.org.uk or call 0330 124 9996.