Bucks bin workers could be retrained after wellbeing concerns raised

Collectors could be retrained to drive lawnmowers as Buckinghamshire Council explores ways to help struggling staff.

Councillors heard that refuse collectors walk probably ten miles a day behind trucks, with hip and knee problems limiting some employees’ ability to carry out their jobs.

Corporate director for resources Sarah Murphy-Brookman said officers try to find alternative duties for workers awaiting joint-replacement surgery.

The council is also considering whether long-serving collectors could move into less physically demanding roles through retraining.

Speaking at the finance and resources select committee meeting, she said: “If you’ve been a refuse collector for the majority of your working career, your body will be quite worn out.”

She asked: “Can we find a way that actually maybe, for example, takes you onto driving lawn mowers?”

The suggestion came as members discussed sickness absence, with Ms Murphy-Brookman explaining that higher levels in the communities directorate were primarily driven by physically demanding depot roles.

Cllr Robert Carington said outdoor staff were also exposed to the elements, with summer heat contributing to the pressures on communities teams.

The discussion prompted questions about how refuse and recycling crews would be protected during future hot weather.

Cllr Chris Poll, who said he had previously undertaken a refuse and recycling round, warned that members sitting in an air-conditioned room might not appreciate conditions outside.

He asked: “What do we do for their health and wellbeing in the future? How do we plan for that?”

Mr Poll also praised management, saying he was surprised absence levels in communities were so low and trending downwards given the demands on crews.

He raised questions about access to toilet facilities and whether protective clothing could be more breathable.

Ms Murphy-Brookman said crews had started earlier during hot weather this summer, with residents asked to put their bins out the night before.

Sunscreen had also been provided, she said.

However, she did not have details about welfare units or whether different protective clothing had been used.

She said depot managers and service heads would need to be consulted about longer-term plans for sustained hot weather.

Responding to Mr Poll’s concerns, she said: “I will certainly pick that up with CMT [corporate management team] so we can have a fuller discussion on that.”

Committee chairman Cllr Jackson Ng requested an update before next summer on possible heatwave protection or mitigation for staff working on the ground.