Case Study: Improving Occupational Hygiene Practices in the Wood Recycling Industry

Background

This case study explores the occupational hygiene practices at a prominent waste wood recycling site. The facility processes thousands of tonnes of mixed wood per week, employing a range of machinery and vehicles, including shredders, excavators, loading shovels, and forklift trucks. These vehicles, through their movement and activities, generate substantial dust particulates, adding to the wood dust generated through the shredding of wood products. The site operates in an open-air environment, which, particularly during periods of windy weather, can contribute to significant increases in airborne dust.

Wood dust is considered a substantial occupational hazard, with extended exposure linked to a range of health issues, including skin irritation, respiratory conditions such as asthma and rhinitis, and in rare instances, nasal cancer. Consequently, controlling exposure to wood dust is crucial to safeguarding the health of workers and minimizing environmental impact.

Additionally, the facility is situated in a location where dust pollution could adversely affect the surrounding environment and community. This places additional responsibility on the facility to control and manage dust emissions effectively.
 

The Problem

Given the potentially detrimental health impacts of airborne wood dust and the need to maintain community and environmental standards, a comprehensive assessment of the site's safety conditions was deemed necessary. This assessment aimed to analyse current conditions, identify areas of potential concern, and propose actionable steps to improve occupational hygiene practices.
 

The Assessment

 
The assessment involved detailed air monitoring using personal samplers and subsequent laboratory analysis of the gathered samples. Different worker groups, including mobile plant drivers, fork-lift truck drivers, and maintenance operatives, were assessed.

Results indicated that wood dust 8hr TWA exposures ranged between 0.1 mg/m3 and 0.2 mg/m3, while the average dust concentration at the perimeter of the site measured <0.08 mg/m3.

Key Findings

 
1. Air monitoring results showed that employees were not likely to be exposed to levels of inhalable wood dust above the Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs). This positive outcome can be largely attributed to the effective ventilation systems installed in the vehicles, which are rigorously maintained and regularly updated to ensure optimal performance and dust containment.

2. Based on the monitoring results, health surveillance programs were not deemed necessary.

3. Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) usage was inconsistent. Workers mainly used disposable FFP3 respirators for machinery cleaning tasks.

4. The site had control measures in place, including air conditioning and filtration systems in vehicle cabins, regular in-cab filter changes, and the use of water sprays for dust suppression during high winds and dry periods.
 

Recommendations

The training program was identified as an area that needed some improvement to ensure the health and safety of all employees. Although the company had a generic training program in place, it was determined that there was a need for a more specific training regimen aimed at addressing the potential risks associated with wood dust exposure. This specialized training should consist of the following elements:
 
1. Risk Awareness: Employees should be educated about the hazards of wood dust, its potential impacts on their health and well-being, and the symptoms to look out for. This includes both immediate symptoms such as eye, nose and throat irritation, as well as potential long-term risks such as respiratory diseases and even certain types of cancer.
 
2. Preventative Measures: Training should cover the preventative measures that can be taken to minimize exposure to wood dust. This includes the correct use of dust control equipment like ventilation systems and water sprays, and the importance of keeping these systems well-maintained and up-to-date.
 
3. Correct Usage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): In addition to systemic preventative measures, employees should be trained on the correct use of personal protective equipment such as respirators and goggles. This includes fitting, maintenance, and when and how to use each piece of equipment.
 
4. Emergency Procedures: In the event of an incident leading to unexpected or high-level exposure to wood dust, employees should be well-versed in the necessary steps and procedures to follow. This includes knowing the location of first-aid kits, how to report an incident, and when to seek immediate medical attention.
 
5. Regulatory Compliance: Employees should be made aware of the local and national regulations concerning wood dust exposure, including workplace exposure limits and guidelines.
 
6. Regular Refresher Courses: Given the serious nature of potential health risks from wood dust, training should not be a one-time event. Regular refresher courses should be conducted to keep the employees updated about the latest best practices, equipment, and regulations.
 
By incorporating these aspects into the training program, the company can better ensure the safety of its employees, reduce potential liabilities, and demonstrate a proactive stance towards employee health and safety.

Conclusion

 
The commitment to maintaining a safe working environment was reinforced by the assessment, which confirmed that exposure to wood dust was managed within the legal requirements. However, the findings also highlighted the importance of continuous education and reinforcement of safety practices to ensure the long-term health and safety of employees. Regular assessments are crucial in industries like wood recycling, where occupational hazards are a consistent concern.