A recruitment agency specialising in UK waste and recycling jobs has been launched to help reduce the number of workplace accidents by supplying pre-safety trained candidates, who have a thorough understanding of the industry.
Based in south Wales, DRN specialises in placing people in both temporary and permanent waste management and recycling jobs. By working with its sister waste training company, AJF Waste Management, DRN supplies candidates who have already undergone the necessary training, enabling them to effectively and safely perform their job role.
DRN is committed to supporting the reduction of workplace accidents and fatalities. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) statistics show 40 per cent of injuries occur to employees who have been on the job for less than a year. Furthermore, recently hired employees are five times more likely to be injured than experienced employees. By supplying safety trained individuals DRN aims to minimise the risk of an injury or fatality.
Historically, safety training for the waste management industry has been neglected. In fact, the latest Health and Safety Executive (HSE) statistics show the waste management industry has more than ten times the number of fatal incidents, and four times the number of accidents, than the national average.
Andrew Firman, founder of DRN and Managing Director of AJF Waste Management, has more than 30 years of experience in the waste industry; from frontline operations to management consultancy services. He says, “Most incidents happen to recycling and refuse collection workers who manually handle and sort waste. They arise from insufficient training and can therefore be substantially reduced with sufficient training.
“DRN recognises that workplace accidents are a symptom which is caused by insufficient training. By working with the cause, as opposed to the symptom, we are determined to increase employees’ safety in the workplace.â€
DRN will provide recruiters with benefits including reduced risk, potentially reduced insurance premiums, due diligence should an incident arise, and compliance with Investors in People requirements. It will additionally provide job seekers with benefits including a happier, safer working environment.