Problem
Cyngor Gwynedd was one of the first areas in Wales to implement three-weekly non-recyclable waste collections, in 2014. Additionally, it was one of the first to introduce a stacked recycling trolley, referred to as the ‘Cartgylchu’, in 2012. These changes have helped the Council collect quality recyclable material and maintain a steady recycling rate of over 60% since 2020.
However, an increasing number of the Council’s waste collection workforce were experiencing musculoskeletal injuries due to the lifting of recycling containers. These injuries led to abnormally high sickness absences among collection staff. Despite offering physiotherapy sessions, the prevalence of injuries did not decrease, impacting the overall efficiency of the waste collections service. The need for overtime and extra shifts for non-injured staff contributed to an overspend of more than £1.5m within the Waste and Recycling Service in the Council.
Solution
To address this issue, Cyngor Gwynedd trialled a fitness programme to improve the health and wellbeing of its collection crew and reduce injuries. The management team engaged with operatives to hear their opinions and concerns, allowing for the co-creation of a solution focussed on proactive measures to prevent injuries, rather than relying on physiotherapy sessions that didn’t offer a long-term solution.
Working together with Byw’n Iach, who operate the Council’s leisure facilities, the waste management team trialled a 16-week programme to support its collection crews in conditioning their bodies, making them less susceptible to injuries.
- A total of 36 individuals took part in the trial across three operational areas of the Council.
- Hour-long exercise sessions took place weekly, followed by 30-minute educational sessions, in the early hours of the afternoon, when Byw’n Iach facilities were least busy.
- Guided exercise sessions introduced participants to different types of fitness activities, including weight training, fitness classes, and team and racket sports.
- Informative sessions included presentations on topics such as the importance of healthy eating and hydration, the benefits of outdoor exercise, looking after your mental health, and ways to move forward after the trial finishes.
- A handbook was produced to guide each person through the trial, enabling participants to record progress and gain additional information and advice.
- Workers trained in groups, allowing them to bond with their team and develop positive working relationships.
- Participants received a membership for unlimited use of Byw’n Iach facilities during the 16 weeks, encouraging them to take personal responsibility for their health and establish good habits.
Impact
The recorded evidence, used to evaluate the trial, suggests the 16-week trial was a success for both Cyngor Gwynedd and its operatives.
- Morale improved across the workforce: Collection crews felt listened to as their suggestions and opinions were key in developing this intervention.
- Reduced sickness leave: By addressing the root cause of musculoskeletal injuries, the Council was able to decrease the chance of their reoccurrence.
- Participants saw positive health outcomes: 75% of individuals recorded a reduction in their blood pressure and body fat measurements.
- Workers experienced improved overall well-being: 89% and 80% of participants reported an improvement in their physical health and mental health, respectively.
The partnership between Cyngor Gwynedd’s waste management team and Byw’n Iach demonstrated a proactive approach to workforce well-being, improving workers’ morale and resistance to injury. To build on the project's success, the Council is now analysing insights from the trial to explore possibilities for broader implementation.