HSE look into the Waste & Recycling Industry
Posted on: May 6, 2010
The waste and recycling sector has increased dramatically over the last few years. With this in mind, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has tried to identify the key challenges faced by the waste and recycling industry, in view of the often competing demands in terms of health, safety and environmental considerations (e.g. meeting recycling targets), and the political sensitivities involved. The HSE view this industry sector as one that needs special attention in terms of advice and in extreme cases, enforcement.
The HSE is in the process of trying to establish the effectiveness of health and safety management within the waste and recycling industry, by focusing on certain key operational topics and activities. This approach is part of a wider programme of work targeting the waste management and recycling industry and is being carried out in conjunction with various large companies/operators throughout the UK to try and establish best practice. This will mean an increase in the number of HSE inspections at Waste & Recycling facilities, either local authority or commercial enterprises, and will no doubt lead to more enforcement notices being issued for non compliance with such regulations as:
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)
- Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002
- Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
- Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
- Regulation for the registration, evaluation, restriction and authorisation of chemicals (REACH)
- The Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS)
- Solvent Emissions Regulations (England & Wales) 2004, Solvent Emissions Regulations (Scotland) 2004
Environmental Compliance has worked closely with companies in this varied sector in helping them achieve and maintain compliance with health & safety, planning and environmental legislation. For help and advice and to arrange a no obligation site visit from one of our consultants, please call the head office on 01443 841760 and we will arrange for someone to discuss your requirements in detail.
For more details on the Health and Safety Executive and the Waste & Recycling Industry, please visit www.hse.gov.uk/waste.