Morning All,

This may have come up before, but does anyone have any knowledge or experience of waste collection staff suggesting they are at risk from diesel emmisions and other airborne contaminants as part of bin collection rounds?

My thoughts are that the vehicles involved are all new and meet the Euro 5 standard, but there are so mnay variables to consider exposure, environment, weather, is concentration of contaminants better or worse for those in cab compared to those on the street?

I don't particuarly want to get drawn into spending time and money getting analysts to monitor individuals, but I'd appreciate anyone elses experience of these challenges.

We have other staff who I'd also consider "at risk" if the waste collectors are, parking enforcement, open spaces teams, maintenance teams, etc.

Thanks

The world has moved on with regards to consideration of air pollution particularly in the UK where a coroner ruled over the death of a nine year old deeming there was "material contribution".

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-56801794

How do you apply controls for workers when the source of contaminants is beyond the direct influence of the employer?

London has attempted a charging scheme the Ultra Low Emissions Zone - early reports seem to indicate what many thought that there would be little impact upon air quality.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-10207377/Londons-ULEZ-reduced-nitrogen-dioxide-levels-3-study-says.html

This scenario will be repeated in those cities who propose to charge for a Clean Air Zone rather than losing votes by banning vehicles.

Perhaps the answer is to upset the residents and send the refuse vehicles out "after dark" when there is less traffic on the road? Be prepared for confrontations from a sleep deprived electorate.

The problem with traffic related pollution is that it a general environmental issue. We all share the same air; we are all exposed to the pollutants. One employer or even one sector can’t really do anything by themselves. It is one of those cases were the government needs to take the lead.

Types of pollution that are a cause for concern:

• fine particulate matter (PM2.5)
• ammonia
• nitrogen oxides (NOx)
• sulphur dioxide
• non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs)

There is plan drawn up in 2019 to tackle this  based around encouraging business and individuals to switch to low emission or zero emission vehicles. Legislation will be introduced at some point which will ban high emission vehicles. For the time being through its more about encouraging people to do the right thing. How much carrot and how much stick will of course depend on the governments appetite for a punch up with vested interests.