Ergonomic Risk Assessment in Kerbside Waste Collection Through Dynamic REBA Protocol

Literature shows that biomechanical risk in kerbside waste collection is high and widespread. The different work environments and working conditions make hard to use standardized protocols. Moreover, the lifting index limitations and restrictions (handling overhead, temperature and humidity) do not allow the use of the NIOSH protocol in this kind of activity. Manual handling of bins was investigated in four different operating modes: through 1) a lorry side window; 2) at the back of the lorry; 3) in a certified container; 4) in a non-certified container. Dynamic REBA was applied for risk assessment. The most dangerous one is mode 2 where the mean REBA scores were 9.8 for the right upper limb and 8.5 for the left upper limb. The posture above shoulder height adopted by the upper limbs contributed to reach these values. The emptying technique that presented the lowest risk level was mode 3. With this technique, the mean REBA scores were 8.8 for the right upper limb and 6.7 for the left upper limb. However, the reduced capacity of the certified container resulted in a significant time increase in the collection round. It would be useful to design larger containers to be mechanically poured so optimizing collection times and reduce biomechanical risk. Synergic effects with other risk factors (vibrations, weather conditions, etc.) are not assessed in this paper.