| Summary: | The aim of the study presented here was to evaluate the biological and ergonomic risks incurred by workers who collect domestic waste using a truck equipped with an articulated arm. The waste collectors’ personal exposure to bioaerosols (total bacteria, endotoxins and moulds) was measured in five different collection situations using the articulated arm and compared with the recommended guidelines. The ergonomic study was carried out by comparing the ergonomic constraints and main workload and accident risk indicators measured in automated collection with those observed in the conventional collection technique in 1992. The data indicate that collection with the articulated arm decreases worker exposure to airborne bacteria and endotoxins and that the average concentrations of moulds are similar to those reported in other studies relating to conventional collection. The main ergonomic constraints were considerably reduced. In the company studied, the use of this technology coincided with reduced accident frequency rates, reduced employee turnover and lower contribution rates to the Compensation Board. However, new problems related to the physical layout of the driving cab appeared. Waste collectors often still have to carry and manipulate waste manually.
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