PPE solutions for the waste management industry
The UK waste management sector plays a vital role in protecting public health and the environment—but it’s also one of the most hazardous industries to work in. With risks ranging from chemical exposure to vehicle collisions, it’s essential that workers are equipped with the right personal protective equipment (PPE) to stay safe on the job.
Key hazards in waste management
Workers in the waste management industry face a wide range of hazards, including:
- Falls from height – The leading cause of fatal injuries in the sector
- Exposure to hazardous substances – Including infectious waste, chemical agents, and asbestos
- Musculoskeletal disorders – Caused by repetitive lifting, awkward postures, and manual handling
- Noise and vibration – Especially during glass collection and machinery operation
With protecting people at its core, uvex PPE incorporates numerous technologies to enhance safety, functionality and wearer comfort. By doing so, our products not only keep workplace hazards to a minimum, we can help prevent long-term health risks, enhance employee wellbeing which in turn has a positive effect on performance and productivity.
The UK generates over 41 million tonnes of industrial waste
Approximately 3,000 workers in the sector are injured each year
Waste management market was valued at £31.6 billion in 2024
As a European manufacturer we understand that many companies in the UK renewable energy sector are committed to the target of zero emissions across the entire supply chain. As a producer with high in-house production we consider the environmental impact of all of our processes and place high value on the responsible use of resources, people and protection techniques to ensure minimal environmental impact. Our quality standards exceed the most stringent requirements and thanks to our universal quality management system, all our factories are certified in accordance with ISO 9001:2000.
Head protection for working at height
Waste management workers are frequently exposed to risks from falling objects, low-hanging structures, and moving machinery. uvex safety helmets are designed to provide robust impact protection while remaining lightweight and comfortable for extended wear. Options with integrated visors and ventilation systems offer added functionality and comfort, helping workers stay protected without compromising performance.
Anti-fog safety eyewear for reliable protection and comfort
Waste management workers are exposed to dust, debris, and chemical splashes. uvex safety eyewear provides high-performance protection with anti-fog coatings and wraparound designs for all-day comfort and visibility.
Choice of lens tints
Properly tinted safety eyewear can have a dramatic effect on the wearer’s vision, comfort and energy levels as well as concentration and productivity. Contrast-enhancing tints significantly improve depth perception with full signal colour recognition guaranteed.
Reliable UV protection
Working outside for long hours increases your exposure to damaging ultraviolet rays, even on cloudy days. uvex which stands for UltraViolet EXclusion is unique to the rest of the safety eyewear market in that it offers UV400 as standard across its entire range.
Permanent lens coatings
uvex is the world leader in lens coating technology, delivering coatings that are permanently bonded to the lens and so do not wash or wear off, even after extended wear or repeated cleaning. With a range of coatings available, uvex is able to offer the right solution for your working environment.
Robust safety footwear for protection from slips, trips and falls
Slips, trips, and puncture injuries are frequent in waste environments. Our safety footwear features slip-resistant soles, reliable toe caps, and puncture-resistant midsoles to keep workers protected and comfortable. Selected models include the BOA® Fit System, which allows for quick, one-handed removal and micro-adjustments throughout the day - ensuring a secure, custom fit that adapts to your feet as conditions change. This makes it ideal for long shifts and fast-paced environments where comfort and convenience are key.
uvex footwear fit clinics
The uvex fit clinics support employees with the correct fitting of safety footwear and ensures employees find the correct size (length) and width for their boots or shoes.
Footwear maintenance tips
Follow these tips on how to care for and maintain your uvex safety shoes and boots, making sure you store them effectively and check regularly for faults, damage, or wear and tear.
A guide to EN ISO 20345:2022
EN ISO 20345:2022 includes several key changes to help health & safety professionals ensure they are purchasing the products they need.
Safety gloves for harsh weather conditions and mechanical hazards
From sharp objects to chemical exposure, hand injuries are a constant threat. uvex gloves are engineered for cut resistance, chemical protection, and dexterity—ideal for sorting, handling, and maintenance tasks.
High-flex impact protection
Our lineup of impact-resistant gloves feature cutting-edge technologies to swiftly absorb and redistribute energy away from the hand and fingers during an impact, while simultaneously offering comfort and dexterity. Find out more
Glove maintenance tips
Follow these tips on how to care for and maintain your uvex mechanical safety gloves hygienically and safely, making sure you remove them correctly and wash and store them effectively.
Industry-leading needlestick protection
uvex have a range of safety gloves featuring needle resistant SuperFabric® with layered guard plates that arrest, trap and block needles. Find out more
Easy-to-use hearing protection
Noise levels from machinery and glass collection can cause long-term hearing damage. Our hearing protection range includes earplugs and earmuffs designed for high-noise environments, ensuring compliance with Control of Noise at Work Regulations.
Respiratory protection
Airborne hazards such as dust, mould spores, bioaerosols, and chemical vapours are common in waste sorting and processing environments. uvex respiratory protection solutions - including FFP3 masks - are engineered to filter harmful particles while ensuring breathability and a secure fit. This helps reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses and supports compliance with COSHH regulations.
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