Abstract
This paper reports on a study undertaken to identify levels of MSD in relation to
methods of waste collection. The need to quantify and eliminate ill health arising out of work is vital to reduce workplace absence leading to debate on associated
relationships between the methods of waste collection and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
Body mapping is a participatory research tool that has been successfully used to
investigate workplace ill health problems. Participatory body mapping exercises were carried out using staff at a UK District Council 2 years before and after the move from boxes and baskets to a wheeled bin recycling service. The study introduces the concept of Average Pain Count (APC).
The data, supports previous studies showing wheeled bin based services (APC 2.07 & 2.80) are associated with less MSD outcomes than services including boxes, baskets and sacks (APC 4.02).The surveys provided compelling evidence to suggest that there are associations between age and self reported pain although there appeared to be no patterns with regards length of service.
These findings should help Local Authorities better understand critical factors
regarding waste collection strategies and self reported pain. There are
recommendations regarding the use of body mapping and for industry practice.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 224-240 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | Policy and Practice in Health and Safety |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 2 |
Early online date | 11 Aug 2018 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2018 |
Keywords
- Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD)
- body mapping
- domestic recycling collection
- epidemiology
- ill health absence
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Health(social science)
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
- Health Policy
- Safety Research