Birmingham bin collectors "terrified" of spreading coronavirus
Birmingham waste collectors are "terrified" of spreading coronavirus to their families as some believe that their work is putting them at a great risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Refuse workers have so far not been issued with face masks and as part of their duty they are required to sit next to their colleagues in close proximity whilst traveling in the bin lorry.
A bin man from Birmingham is concerned for his and his family's health as he states that social distancing in his role "is not possible".
Another bin man has also stated that most of the estimated 600 refuse workers in the city are "family men and are terrified of taking this home to their partners and children".
The GMB union has been pushing the council to provide the proper personal protective equipment for refuse workers as a number of concerns has been raised.
There is also a large number of over flowing bins due to the closure of recycling centres which means that bin collectors are having to handle increasing amounts of rubbish.
A GMB union spokesperson has said that as they come into contact with people's rubbish "they need gloves and access to top hand santiser".
Birmingham City Council have responded with the comment below.
Birmingham City Council has also asked that residents play their part in helping keep crews safe by double-bagging their waste and waiting 72 hours before disposing of it in their household bin, if any residents are displaying symptoms of COVID-19.
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