// Occupations and Workplaces

Waste Collection Workers

What does a waste collection worker do? Waste collection involves the removal of items, usually from the roadside.

// Issues: 38
// Requirements: 32
// Page links: 60

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duty Waste collection involves the removal of items, usually from the roadside.
duty Waste collection is carried out close to vehicle traffic, at relatively high speeds, and involves jumping off and back onto trucks, and pulling, pushing, and lifting heavy, awkward, and overloaded weights in both hot and cold working conditions. These actions pose a significant risk, resulting in ergonomic and health issues. Irregular pavements, sidewalks, and long distances that must be covered daily can affect not only an individual’s muscles but also ankles, knees, and shoulders, resulting in musculoskeletal injuries.

Waste collection workers work in varying conditions and are exposed to a variety of occupational hazards on a daily basis. Some of these hazards can include, but are not limited to: Biological Chemical Ergonomic Physical Psychological Safety

biological Stinging insects
general Dermatitis or allergic contact
biological Biological substances, such as fungi, bacteria and other micro-organisms
biological Needlestick and sharp injuries
general Dogs can attack workers
general Histoplasmosis
general Psittacosis
biological Hantavirus
general Potential infection from bird or rodent droppings:
chemical Chemical hazards, including harmful levels of airborne contaminants, which can enter the body through different routes of entry
chemical Exposure to dust, harmful metals, and asbestos
general Manual handling
ergonomic Lifting heavy or awkward objects
ergonomic Working in awkward positions or performing awkward manual tasks increases the risk of musculoskeletal injuries
physical Noise
physical Working in extreme hot and cold environments
physical Vibration
psychosocial Stress, as a result of high job demands and possible low control over the situation
psychosocial Fatigue
psychosocial Shift work or extended work days
safety Backing up the vehicle
safety Objects falling out of overloaded containers
chemical Vehicular traffic and exhaust fume inhalation
safety Jumping off and on the vehicle, running behind the vehicle, and holding on to the handle while the vehicle is moving
general Crushing injuries from moving parts
safety Driving hazards, such as awareness of other vehicles, road conditions (including winter driving), and the location of on-foot waste collectors, etc.
safety Crushing and entanglement hazards when working near compactors and other moving or rotating equipment
safety Slips, trips and falls, especially when working in wet environments

Health effects may include:

ergonomic Ergonomic injuries, including work-related musculoskeletal disorders and back injury
safety Cuts and bruises
general Nausea and vomiting as a result of exposure to foul odour
general Headaches, sunburn, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke from working in a hot environment
ergonomic Frostbite and hypothermia from working in a cold environment
physical Noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus
psychosocial Hypertension, distress from stress
biological Tetanus – caused by a toxin produced by bacteria common in soil and sewage
general Leptospirosis – caused by a parasitic worm
chemical Injuries from biological materials leading to diseases such as Hepatitis A, B or C

Ensure that a risk assessment is conducted and the hierarchy of controls implemented, including Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS) and other relevant training. Since it is not possible to know the exact contents of all waste that may be collected, workers should treat all items as hazardous unless it is determined otherwise.

administrative Follow safe operating procedures for the management of hazardous waste
requirement Use the garbage truck’s automated loading system for heavy loads, when available
requirement Test the weight of the object or waste item before lifting
administrative Conduct a pre-trip vehicle inspection before beginning the shift
requirement Obey traffic rules and speed limits for the road, especially when collectors are near the vehicle
requirement Use turn signals, hazard lights, cameras, sensors, and other safety or warning devices as needed
requirement Wear seat belts
requirement Do not use cellular phones or other devices while driving
requirement Use proper driver ergonomics practices
requirement Protect yourself from other vehicles by being cautious when stepping off and on the vehicle
requirement When driving:
requirement Use proper communication between the loader and the driver
requirement Always maintain eye contact with the driver when close to the vehicle and when the vehicle is backing up
requirement Do not wear personal headphones that block out surrounding noise
ppe Protect yourself from sharp edges or protruding parts by using safe lifting techniques and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment
requirement Refer to Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for chemicals of concern, and follow precautions for all chemicals and materials, when possible
requirement Maintain up-to-date vaccine immunizations, e.g., tetanus and hepatitis
administrative Provide training to encourage back injury prevention, avoid awkward body positions and repetitive manual tasks and to learn safe lifting techniques
requirement Promotion of mental health education and awareness in the work environment
requirement Promote sanitation and good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands before meals, drinking or smoking, to reduce the risk of infections and learn more about handwashing and the risk of infections
administrative Inspect and service fire extinguishers and first aid kits regularly and according to regulatory requirements, and post emergency phone numbers in the cab of the truck
requirement High visibility clothing
ppe Care and maintenance of approved respirators, as necessary
requirement Coveralls
ppe Gloves
ppe Wear appropriate footwear and watch for ice or surface conditions that increase the risk of slips or trips.
requirement Eye and Face Protectors
ppe Train workers in the use, care, and wear of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, including
administrative Know how to report a hazard
requirement Follow company safety rules
requirement Always:
requirement Fact sheet first published: 2026-01-30