Binmen could strike as THREE workers are attacked by rats in Glasgow bin sets

The man had been carrying out his duties on Duke Street in the East End before he was pounced on by the “huge” rodent last month. 

He was quickly escorted to hospital where medics provided him with a tetanus jag for his injuries.

The “scary” incident happened only nine days before another man was ambushed by a rat at the Alexandra Parade in Dennistoun.

READ MORE: SECOND Glasgow binman sent to hospital after violent rat attack

In January, we revealed how a separate binman was hospitalised after being barraged by a rat while clearing sets in Drumchapel. 

The GMB – a union that represents cleansing staff – is warning that it will encourage its members to take industrial action if working conditions do not improve.

The binman - who spoke on condition of anonymity – said: “We were taking out the big metal bins and I am left-handed but this time I was using my right hand and facing the opposite direction to the bin.

“A rat jumped from the bin and right up my arm and tried to use me as a springboard to jump to wherever it was wanting to go.

“It scratched my arm then leaped off me and ran under a car. 

“If I was using my left hand like I normally do, the rat would have jumped on my face.”

The incident has left the worker shaken by the ordeal and anxious about returning to his duties. 

“It was scary”, he said. 

“It wasn’t a baby rat either – it was absolutely huge, maybe about a foot and a half long. We hear about this happening but you don’t expect it to happen to you.

“It left me feeling a bit funny about going back to work and emptying the sets, they could jump out at you at any time.”

The trilogy of incidents - which left all employees with scratched arms -  has sparked widespread concern at the GMB, who warn they will have no choice but to encourage a strike if rat attacks go on.

Chris Mitchell

READ MORE: Glasgow binman sent to hospital after rat attack in Drumchapel

Chris Mitchell, the branch convenor, said: “The rat population is growing and it is becoming increasingly worrying that workers are being attacked on a daily basis now – there have been three attacks on our workers that we are aware of this year.

“But, the council still deny there is a problem.

“It this continues and the problem is not resolved, we will have no choice but to pull our labour.

“Speaking to the workforce regarding this issue, you can see the stress and anxiety first hand. Rat urine can kill you and Glasgow has become their biggest playground.” 

Glasgow City Council insists that rat attacks are "extremely rare" in the city.

A spokesman said: “Unfortunately,  a worker suffered a minor injury on July 10 this year as a rat escaped from an open bin.

“Incidents of this nature are extremely rare but any injury suffered by a member of staff is a cause for concern and we always check to ensure that health and safety measures have been followed.

“Staff safety is an absolute priority and a range of measures are in place to minimise the risk to staff, including wearing appropriate PPE, reporting a range of issues that may affect safety and seeking medical support.

“In particular we are very clear that for safety reasons staff should report back on any infestations that they encounter so that appropriate public health measures can be taken.”

“In particular we are very clear that for safety reasons staff should report back on any infestations that they encounter so that appropriate public health measures can be taken. The number of reports of infestations from staff is very low.

“In this incident the worker was immediately taken to receive medical care and was able to resume his duties shortly afterwards.”