Waste Industry Safety and Health (WISH) Forum
From WISH guidance May 2025 “The waste and recycling industry can be a harsh environment for waste containers. For example, the use of excavators to compact wastes in open top containers is widespread practice, especially on HWRC (household waste recycling centre) sites. Such practices can cause significant damage and
accelerated wear to containers. Such use considerations should be part of your risk assessment relating to checks and inspections, including their frequency.”
WISH forum guidance document for the waste container surveying, design and repair information.
What is WISH?
The Waste Industry Safety and Health (WISH) Forum brings together organisations from across the waste and recycling industry to improve health and safety standards. It is a partnership made up of representatives from industry bodies, trade unions, professional organisations, recycling groups, and national and local government.
Working with HSE
WISH works closely with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). HSE provides overall direction and support, while WISH focuses on developing practical guidance and sharing good practice to help make the industry safer.
The main aim of WISH is to reduce workplace accidents and work-related ill health in the waste and recycling sector. It does this by:
• Identifying health and safety risks
• Developing practical solutions
• Promoting good practice across the industry
What WISH Does
WISH works closely with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). HSE provides overall direction and support, while WISH focuses on developing practical guidance and sharing good practice to help make the industry safer.
WISH works closely with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). HSE provides overall direction and support, while WISH focuses on developing practical guidance and sharing good practice to help make the industry safer.
WISH works closely with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). HSE provides overall direction and support, while WISH focuses on developing practical guidance and sharing good practice to help make the industry safer.
Guidance and Good Practice
WISH has produced a range of health and safety guidance for the industry. This guidance is endorsed by WISH and published on the HSE website. WISH continues to promote and support the use of this guidance to help improve safety standards.
Commitment to Competence
WISH supports the industry’s Commitment to Competence, which aims to raise skill and knowledge levels across the workforce. Improving competence helps reduce accidents and occupational ill health.
Strategy and Ongoing Improvement
WISH operates under an agreed structure and strategy. First launched in 2009, the strategy is regularly updated to reflect current risks and priorities. WISH recognises that different organisations need different approaches and supports a range of actions to suit the diverse nature of the industry.
Working with HSE
WISH works closely with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). HSE provides overall direction and support, while WISH focuses on developing practical guidance and sharing good practice to help make the industry safer.
How WISH Works
WISH is a collaborative forum that works through partnership and agreement. Members share ideas, experience, and solutions to help improve safety and wellbeing for workers and others affected by industry activities.
Making a Difference
By working together, sharing good practice, and encouraging safer ways of working, WISH helps create a safer and healthier waste and recycling industry for everyone.