If you work in the landfill or incineration sector and have suffered a workplace injury or developed an occupational illness, we can help you consider your right to compensation under Scottish personal injury law. Contact us today for more information.
Landfill sites
Despite concern regarding their environmental sustainability, landfill sites still account for the vast majority of waste disposal in the UK and Scotland.
If you are one of the nearly 300,000 workers in the waste and recycling industry and work on or around landfill sites, there are a number of particular hazards that you are likely to come across. These include the following:
- Decomposing waste - this can generate gases, which are liable to ignite and explode. Some of these gases can also be toxic
- Moving vehicles – Landfill sites use vehicles of all different sizes to move and bury the waste. Pedestrians should be kept away from these and care should be taken to design safe routes, including edge protection, for the vehicles to move through the site.
Incineration
Another form of waste disposal is incineration, which is often used when dealing with hazardous materials, such as clinical waste. Special regulations are therefore in place to protect both workers and the environment from the effects of hazardous substances involved.
The major hazards
According to the Health and Safety Executive, there are four major hazards associated with the waste and recycling industry. These are as follows:
- Ingestion - Swallowing liquid or material which is toxic
- Skin contact – Caustic substances, especially through cuts and grazes. Also contact with hazardous substances through the eye’s mucus membrane
- Sharps injuries - Skin punctures from objects which may be carrying harmful substances
- Inhalation - Exposure through breathing in dangerous substances such as asbestos
Additional information on the source of the hazards, the risks they pose and reasonably practicable control measures that can be used to prevent or control exposure can be found on the occupational health page.
More information about accidents in waste and recycling can be found here.
Help claiming compensation
Whatever type of waste disposal is involved, the employers and owners of the sites involved are under a legal obligation to do all they can to provide a safe working environment for their employees and those visiting the facility. If they do not, and you or a loved one are injured as a result, then you could be entitled to compensation for any illness or injury your sustain.
Thompsons is the largest personal injury firm in Scotland and brings with it the authority and credibility you need in order to secure the full amount of compensation you are entitled to. We win more than 90% of the cases we take on and, under the terms of our No Win, No Fee agreement ensure that unless you win your case you will not have to pay a penny to fund the cost of your claim.
To talk to an expert about making a claim, call 0800 0891 331 or click here.
