ABSTRACT
Refuse collectors are exposed to a wide range of hazards which include the risks of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) that result from their manual handling activities. Poulsen et al. (1995) reviewed European literature to identify the range of occupational health problems that occur in refuse collectors and found that the risk of refuse collectors developing MSDs was 1.9 times higher than the rest of the working population. Within the UK there is current concern to reduce the incidence of work-related MSDs. There is also a general move towards separate collection of recyclable waste. Both of these factors could influence the working methods of refuse collectors.
