This autumn will see health and safety research work undertaken ahead of the winter months when people may be found sleeping in waste bins and containers at business and other premises.

With fatalities in recent years, usually as a result of individuals involved in bin lift accidents, a new research project into the topic, with involvement from the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management, has begun.

The research is being led by Dr Toni Gladding – secretary of the Waste Industry Safety and Health Forum (WISH. Dr Gladding is also chair of the CIWM Health and Safety Special Interest Group and is heading up the research at the Open University.  She said: “There is anecdotal evidence to suggest this is a problem that continues to challenge the waste industry, and we are seeking new responses from as many companies as possible so that we can investigate the scale of the issue.”

The survey asks respondents for details of their policies regarding people sleeping in bins or other waste containers and for information on incidents that have occurred recently.  According to the survey organisers, those who sleep in bins are not always homeless. A StreetLink survey found that 11% of those found sleeping in bins were returning from night-time revelry.

If you would to take part, visit: People sleeping in waste containers survey 2019.