Refuse workers and the public in Harlow are being put at risk by a slew of safety failures at Veolia’s Mead Park depot, UNISON warns today.
Union health and safety reps uncovered a litany of breaches during an inspection this morning (Thursday morning), including faulty emergency stops on at least two vehicles.
The essential safety feature is supposed to prevent loss of life or limb if a worker is accidentally caught in the tipper or rough-sleepers are discovered in bins.
UNISON reps highlighted three faulty emergency stops after an inspection at the beginning of the month but only one has been fixed.
On one vehicle the bin holder is held together with gaffer tape while on another jagged bumper edges have been tied up with shoe laces, says UNISON.
The rubber on the loading hoppers has also worn down on most vehicles, say the reps, leaving the rubbish liable to spill out.
And on one vehicle Veolia has locked the spill kit — absorbents used to clear up dangerous spills such as petrol spills or other liquid waste — in an outside storage box vulnerable to the elements and screwed shut. Waste crews do not have tools on board to access the kit.
As well as the shoddy fleet, UNISON warns that new starters are not receiving training on the correct type of vehicles, putting them at risk of injury.
In addition, reps report rising levels of stress due to unmanageable workloads.
Many of the faults were reported verbally at the beginning of the month but had still not been fixed this morning.
UNISON regional manager Caroline Hennessy said: “Harlow’s refuse staff are expected to go out in all weathers in a rickety, unsafe fleet.
“Veolia is putting its staff and the general public at risk of serious injury through failing to keep its vehicles in safe working order or provide proper training to new starters.
“When the firm was awarded the waste contract it promised the people of Harlow shiny new equipment that the council wouldn’t be able to afford, instead crews are working with third-rate, unsafe gear.
“The council should be asking serious questions about Veolia’s ability to run the service.
“Veolia must urgently improve safety at Mead Park for the sake of workers and residents alike.”
