The Recycled Organics Unit has developed a package for the recycled organics industry to assist in the areas of occupational health and safety (OH&S) and commercial composting.

This package has been developed in response to the need for OH&S information and training specifically for the recycled organics industry in Australia.

This package is titled Occupational Health and Safety and Commercial Composting and consists of three volumes.

This volume consists of a process for commercial composting enterprises to define and implement safe working practices.

It includes detailed information on the OH&S requirements for a composting facility by looking at the legislation in Australia and why OH&S is important. A step-by-step guide is provided detailing how to develop and implement an OH&S system as well as examples and activities to identify areas of risk and guidance on minimising and managing those risks.

A case study on manual handling is also included as well as suggested WorkCover publications.

This volume utilises information on bioaerosols and organic dusts, that are produced during the composting process, to provide guidance in the areas of facility design, operation and management.

Risk factors common to this environment are identifies and management strategies suggested to minimise or prevent exposure to these risks by employees.

This volume has been reviewed by the NSW Workers Compensation Dusts Diseases Board.

This volume includes an induction procedure in the form of a PowerPoint presentation for new compost facility staff.

The presentation contains information on common risks of infection including:

• Sources of risk
• Exposure routes
• Risk factors & predisposing conditions
• Awareness & management of risk
• Health checks
• Staff training/procedures
• Management support

A pdf of the slides is also available as a reference document.

Since this report has been completed, a comprehensive literature review has been produced by the UK Composting Association and Health and Safey Laboratory titled:

Occupational and Environmental Exposure to Bioaerosols from Composts and Potential Health Effects: A Critical Review of Published Data.

Access this report from www.rolibrary.com online catalogue.