Ergonomics and human factors in waste collection: analysis and suggestions for the door-to-door method

Waste collection work is associated with a variety of physical, chemical, and biological hazards. The risk of fatal occupation injuries of waste collectors is higher than in general industry. Despite being a relatively small sector in terms of employment, the fatal injury rate in waste collection is significant. This paper shows a detailed analysis of the door-to-door waste collection system in the historic center of an Italian city. Waste collection in urban areas is characterized by high number of small waste containers that need to be tipped into the waste collection vehicle. The aim is to identify risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in waste collection and to provide recommendations for reducing the risk of WMSDs to waste collectors. The analysis of the waste management strategy, the process characteristics and workers’ behavior are described, together with several proposals to improve the ergonomics of the waste collection activity and the safety of waste collectors.