Refuse rage: one refuse collector lost both legs

New figures reveal that the average refuse collector is the target of at least one unprovoked act of aggression every single day of the working week. Some refuse collectors are being physically attacked, while others are the target of verbal abuse. Some motorists also overtake refuse vans in a particularly aggressive fashion threatening the lives of the people who collect our refuse for a living.

The Federation of Belgian Environment Companies and the Association of Flemish Towns and Municipalities undertook the research after the number of complaints they were receiving ballooned.

In Flanders alone up to 1,500 incidents are recorded on a working day.

Refuse collector Kristof Van Dael: "When people are in a hurry they do the maddest things."

Some of the incidents are minor, but in May a refuse collector in Quiévrain lost two legs after he was hit by an impatient motorist.

The Federation of Belgian Environment Companies and the Association of Flemish Towns and Municipalities are now calling for greater respect: "Refuse collectors deserve our respect. They have a right to a safe working environment."

Refuse collectors already take preventative action: during the rush-hour busy roads and schools are already avoided. Refuse collectors are also trained to deal with impatient members of the public and road rage incidents.
 

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