Buckinghamshire Council considers retraining bin workers for easier roles

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 06:03 · Archive

Buckinghamshire Council is exploring retraining refuse collectors for less physically demanding positions due to hip and knee problems.

Buckinghamshire Council is exploring ways to help bin workers struggling with the physical demands of refuse collection. Collectors walk approximately ten miles a day behind trucks, and hip and knee problems limit some employees' ability to continue in their roles. Corporate director Sarah Murphy-Brookman told the finance and resources select committee that the council tries to find alternative duties for workers awaiting joint-replacement surgery.

Ms Murphy-Brookman suggested that long-serving refuse collectors could be retrained for less physically demanding roles, such as driving lawnmowers. She noted that workers whose bodies have been worn out by years of refuse collection might benefit from such opportunities. The discussion also raised concerns about sickness absence levels in the communities directorate, which handles depot roles, and councillors questioned how to protect outdoor staff during future hot weather, including access to toilet facilities and more breathable protective clothing.

Buckinghamshire Council considers retraining bin workers for easier roles — Image: Bucks Herald

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How it is being reported

Bucks Council develops plan to support injured bin collection workersBin workers could be trained to drive lawnmowers as Buckinghamshire Council explores ways to help staff struggling with the physical demands of collecting rubbish.Bucks Herald · 13 Oct, 09:17
Bin workers could retrain to drive lawnmowers amid concerns over physical demandsBuckinghamshire Council is considering retraining bin workers for less physically demanding roles as hip and knee problems limit some collectors’ ability to work.Bucks Free Press · 13 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Buckinghamshire Council · Sarah Murphy-Brookman · Robert Carington · Chris Poll

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