The psychological impact of refuse work

“Because we take out people’s rubbish, sometimes they feel like they can talk to us like rubbish,” said Beth Whittaker, Chief of Human Resources at refuse firm Veolia.^{[ref 1]}

Refuse collection is a problem in developing countries, typically associated with rapid urbanisation and population growth exceeding the capacity of the current infrastructure.^{[ref 2]}  It's also an issue in developed countries because of the abuse some workers face. 

Refuse collectors face stereotypes and negative attitudes, which can impact their wellbeing.^{[ref 3]} The quality of refuse collection rests with the wellbeing of the workforce, so it’s important to consider both the psychological and physical impact of work.

It is imperative that refuse collection remains both socially and environmentally sustainable for the future.^{[ref 3]}

Here we share case studies from three different countries. They highlight the psychological impact of refuse work and the role that OSH professionals can play. While we’re focusing on refuse collectors, the information can be applied to workers in any industry.

Hanoi – symptoms of stress

Much of the research and content so far has focused on refuse workers’ physical health.^{[ref 1]} Musculoskeletal problems, fatigue, cuts from sharps, slipping and falling as well as risk of injury from traffic accidents contribute to a high-risk working environment. These risks often sit alongside long working hours. 

However, little has been considered regarding the psychological effects. Nearly 15 per cent of refuse collectors reported stress symptoms as part of a study carried out in Hanoi, Vietnam.^{[ref 2]} Frequent exposure to extreme temperatures, night shifts, insufficient monthly income, and exposure to hot or flammable objects were among commonly cited reasons.^{[ref 2]}

Exposure to extreme temperatures, when combined with high levels of physical manual labour, can be a physical factor contributing to mental fatigue.^{[ref 2]}

Jakarta – supplying the right tools 

A UK television series, The toughest place to be a bin man, highlighted the role of refuse collectors. Based in Jakarta, Philippines, the BBC documentary shocked the three million viewers who tuned in.^{[ref 4]}

The show highlighted the poor living conditions and tough work, with refuse collectors often walking barefoot for seven days a week.

Since then, improvements have been made. Workers have been provided with personal protective equipment (PPE), tools and first aid kit.^{[ref 4]} This been proven to have a positive psychological impact.

According to research by the CPD (Continuing Professional Development) Certification Service, providing the correct tools needed to get a job done safely leads to increased job satisfaction and improved employee wellbeing.^{[ref 4]} This is because workers feel cared for by the organisation and are equipped to carry out their role. It has a knock-on effect of increased productivity.

London – StreetKind scheme

Refuse collectors in the United Kingdom, are often subjected to abuse from members of the public. The number of violent attacks on refuse workers has more than doubled from 2021-22 reveals Veolia, an outsourcing firm that handles refuse for seven million households across the country.^{[ref 1]}

Refuse collectors are often approached by angry residents asking them to take rubbish that is not compliant with company policy.^{[ref 5]} This has intensified to threats of violence and even physical attacks.

Mr Major, a refuse collector working in North London, has spoken about an incident in which his crew were threatened with death by a resident for refusing to take away his recycling bin.^{[ref 5]} The resident followed the refuse collection crew to their vehicle, attempting to break in while threatening to “stab us to death”.^{[ref 5]}

Although the crew managed to escape, Mr Major talks of the terrible “emotional impact” of the attack. Worrying that “when I stepped out of my front door, maybe I’m not getting home in one piece. Maybe someone will pull a knife out.”  He speaks of being frustrated, sleepless and angry.^{[ref 5]}

Due to the rise in abuse, Veolia has launched StreetKind to help protect its teams.^{[ref 1]} As part of the campaign, Veolia has committed to pursue more prosecutions for abuse against its staff. It also includes a training programme to support staff to defuse situations and understand how and when to involve police. 

OSH key takeaways

As an OSH professional, here are the provisions you can put in place to prevent psychological impacts on people who work in these or similar conditions. 

• Risk assessment

  OSH professionals can perform psychosocial risk assessments to identify potential stressors and psychological hazards in the workplace. Understand the unique challenges faced by workers and tailor assessments accordingly. OSH professionals can highlight coping mechanisms refuse workers need to develop to navigate the unique challenges of their profession. Resilience, a sense of purpose and access to support systems can all contribute to mental wellbeing.

• Tools

  Providing the right tools and equipment to carry out a job safely is another way in which OSH professionals can support workers’ psychological welfare.

• Policy

  OSH professionals can also influence policy that draws attention to workers' welfare from a psychological standpoint and ensure this has measurable outcomes and is checked for success. Involve refuse workers in the decision-making process regarding their working conditions. A participatory approach can empower workers and contribute to a sense of control over their environment.

• Culture

  Foster a workplace culture that values and supports mental health. Encourage open communication, destigmatise seeking help, and promote a sense of community and collaboration among workers. Conduct regular check-ins with workers and use surveys to gauge their mental wellbeing. This ongoing feedback loop can help identify emerging issues and assess the effectiveness of implemented initiatives.

References

1. Veolia UK. (n.d.). StreetKind. [online] Available at: https://www.veolia.co.uk/streetkind [Accessed 22 Nov. 2023].
2. Nguyen, Q.T., Nguyen, B.V., Do, H.T.T., Nguyen, B.N., Nguyen, V.T., Vu, S.T. and Tran, T.T.T. (2021). Psychological stress and associated factors among municipal solid waste collectors in Hanoi, Vietnam: A cross-sectional study. PLOS ONE, 16(7), p.e0254355. doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0254355.
3. Place, D.L.P., Park, O.B., Skelmersdale and Wn8 9th (2014). A Day in the Life: The Problems Bin Men Face. [online] Direct365 Blog. Available at: https://www.direct365.co.uk/blog/day-life-problems-bin-men-face/.
4. The toughest place to be a binman. (2012). BBC News. [online] 30 Jan. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-16722186.
5. Grant, K. (2021). Binman pleads for respect from public as refuse workers suffer baseball bat and knife attacks. [online] inews.co.uk. Available at: https://inews.co.uk/news/binman-pleads-for-respect-from-public-amid-baseball-bat-and-knife-attacks-1326466 [Accessed 22 Nov. 2023].