Sensor-Based Evaluation of Work-Related Postural Risk in Municipal Waste Collection

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a pressing public health issue, affecting workers across diverse sectors. Among these, municipal waste collection stands out due to the inherent risks associated with the tasks performed by waste collectors. The adoption of door-to-door waste collection methods, aimed at improving waste sorting rates, has unveiled health and safety concerns related to frequent lifting of small containers from the ground to the truck container. This study delves into the ergonomic challenges encountered by waste collection operators during door-to-door waste collection, utilizing a sensor-based methodology to characterize and quantify these challenges objectively. This research represents one of the few attempts to employ motion capture systems in outdoor work settings to capture operators’ movements, derive joint angles, and calculate ergonomic risk indices using methods like REBA and NIOSH. The findings provide valuable insights for devising strategies to mitigate risks. Key recommendations include restricting lifting activities to below shoulder height, elevating collection points, enhancing waste bag grip quality, and promoting adherence to ergonomic guidelines by operators. Moreover, optimizing efficiency and reducing ergonomic strain can be achieved by alternating between collection methods, such as using bins in high-density waste areas and bags elsewhere.