A safety campaign has been launched following several near misses and concerning incidents involving kerbside bin collection trucks.
Bundaberg Regional Council’s “be smart, be safe, be seen” campaign hopes to reduce risks and keep the community and collection truck drivers safe.
Risky behaviour has been seen across the region, such as residents running up to a truck after forgetting to put bins out, standing too close while the bin is lifted and drivers not giving way to operating trucks.
Water, Waste and Renewable Economy portfolio spokesperson Cr Jason Bartels says simple changes could make a big difference to safety.
“Our collection trucks make hundreds of stops a day,” he says.
“When residents rush toward a truck, stand too close to the lifting arm, or place hazardous items in their bins, they put themselves, our drivers and the community at risk.”
“Our kerbside collection trucks stop frequently and have blind spots similar to cars and other heavy vehicles.
“The lifting arm swings out and needs clear space to operate safely.
“We ask that residents never approach a waste collection truck when it is in operation and when the truck is nearby, that children and pets be kept several metres away from the bin.
“In other parts of the state we are aware of tragic incidents that have resulted in injury or even loss of life which have shown the serious consequences of not taking care around frequently stopping vehicles.”
Following recent battery fires in trucks and waste facilities within the region Cr Bartels says Council is also focusing on safe battery disposal, and the disposal of other types of hazardous waste such as gas bottles.
“We’ve had multiple truck and facility fires caused by batteries and other flammable materials being thrown away.
“It’s not just dangerous, it disrupts services and can cause serious harm.
“By keeping hazardous items out of household bins and following the three messages, residents can help keep each other safe and our services running smoothly.”
Campaign breakdown: Be smart. Be safe. Be seen.
Be smart:
- Bins apart and lids closed – Place bins on the kerbside at least half a metre
apart and ensure the lid is closed. - Bins out the night before – Collection times may vary to meet demand so
having bins out the night before ensures collection. - No hazardous waste – Don’t bin batteries, gas bottles, chemicals, e waste
or other items that can cause fires and service disruption.
Be safe:
- Truck in operation – The lifting arm needs room to move and can cause
injury if standing too close. - Keep your distance – Drivers, cyclists and walkers take care when
approaching and passing kerb side collection trucks in operation. - Be patient – A few seconds to give way to frequently stopping trucks keeps
everyone safe.
Be seen:
- Give us a wave – If you can’t see the driver, they can’t see you. Making eye
contact and a wave acknowledges the driver has seen you. - Stay back from the kerb – It can be fun for kids to watch, however ensure to
keep kids and pets well back from the kerb - Missed it? Don’t risk it! – Rushing up to an operating truck can be dangerous
and cause serious injury.
