By Will Flower
In 2024, the waste and recycling industry saw an alarming rise in its ranking on the Bureau of Labor Statistics鈥� (BLS) list of most dangerous occupations, moving from 7th to 4th place. This shift underscores the need for companies to reassess their approach to safety and prioritize it as a foundational element of their operations. The challenges faced by waste and recycling workers鈥攆rom handling waste materials in all types of weather to navigating busy streets鈥攁re numerous, and a strong culture of safety is essential to protecting both employees and the public we serve.
Understanding the Risks
The waste and recycling industry is an inherently dangerous business. Workers face risks such as vehicle-related accidents, exposure to potentially harmful materials, injuries from heavy machinery, and the unpredictable behavior of other drivers on the road. Moreover, public safety is also at stake. Trucks on collection routes in residential neighborhoods, near schools, and in high-traffic areas must be operated with utmost caution to prevent accidents involving pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vehicles. When companies or employees neglect safety protocols, the consequences can be devastating for everyone involved.
Back to Basics: The Foundation of Safety
The industry鈥檚 rise on the list of dangerous occupations suggests that many companies may have deviated from fundamental safety practices. Building a culture of safety begins with getting back to the basics and implementing a comprehensive and meaningful safety strategy. Key elements include:
1. Leadership Commitment: Safety starts at the top. When company leadership prioritizes safety, it sets the tone for the entire organization. Leaders must not only communicate the importance of safety but also actively demonstrate their commitment through actions, such as participating in safety meetings, allocating resources for training and equipment, and holding themselves accountable for safety outcomes.
2. Employee Engagement: Employees on the front lines are the most familiar with the risks they face daily. Engaging workers in safety initiatives ensures that their insights and experiences are valued. Sharing perspective and safety tips among employees is helpful. Creating opportunities for employees to provide feedback, report hazards without fear of retaliation, and contribute to the development of safety protocols fosters a sense of ownership and accountability.
3. Comprehensive Training: Training and employee engagement is the backbone of a strong safety culture. Employees must be trained not only during onboarding, but also on an ongoing basis to keep their knowledge up to date. Topics should include safe equipment operation, hazard recognition, defensive driving, emergency response procedures, and proper lifting techniques. Hands-on training and simulations can be particularly effective in reinforcing safety concepts.
4. Clear Policies and Procedures: A strong safety culture requires clear and enforceable policies. These should cover everything from personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements to vehicle maintenance schedules and protocols for handling hazardous materials. Policies must be regularly reviewed and updated to address emerging risks, regulatory changes, and advancements in technology involving vehicles and waste processing equipment.
5. Regular Safety Audits: Conducting routine safety audits helps identify gaps in compliance and areas for improvement. Audits should assess both physical conditions鈥攕uch as equipment functionality and facility layout鈥攁nd behavioral factors, such as adherence to safety procedures and employee attitudes toward safety. An independent, third-party safety profession can be helpful to get a 鈥渇resh set of eyes鈥� on your operations and safety program.
6. Focus on Mental and Physical Well-being: Employee health plays a significant role in safety. Fatigue, stress, and other health issues can impair judgment and reaction times, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Providing resources such as wellness programs, mental health support, and adequate rest breaks can improve overall safety outcomes.
Driving Change in the Industry
While the foundational elements of safety are universal, waste and recycling companies must also address industry-specific and geographic challenges. Collecting waste in densely populated urban areas present different challenges compared to drivers collecting waste in rural areas; however, all drivers need to be taught defensive driving and the unique demands of waste collection routes. And, all drivers need to be trained to anticipate hazards, maintain safe following distances, and navigate high-traffic or low-visibility areas with caution.
As an industry, we need to embrace and leverage advanced technology that can enhance safety in numerous ways. For example, onboard cameras and sensors can improve visibility around collection vehicles, while telematics systems can monitor driver behavior and vehicle performance in real time.
Public awareness and collaboration with public safety agencies is vital to our efforts. The public plays a role in ensuring the safety of waste and recycling workers. Educating communities about safe practices鈥攕lowing down in areas where waste and recyclables are being collected, plus, properly securing waste bins, keeping children and pets away from collection vehicles, and not tailgating trucks鈥攃an create a safer working environment. Collaboration with local governments, schools, and community organizations can amplify these efforts.
Measuring Success
Developing a strong safety culture requires continuous evaluation and improvement. Key performance indicators (KPIs) such as the number of accidents, near misses, and worker compensation claims can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of safety initiatives. Companies should also consider conducting employee surveys to gauge perceptions of safety and identify areas for improvement.
Celebrating safety milestones and achievements is another way to reinforce the importance of safety. Recognizing employees who go above and beyond to uphold safety standards not only boosts morale, but also inspires others to follow suit.
The Cost of Safety
Investing in safety is not just a moral obligation, it is also a sound business decision. Workplace injuries and fatalities have significant financial implications, including medical expenses, legal fees, regulatory fines, and increased insurance premiums. Additionally, accidents can damage a company鈥檚 reputation and erode trust among employees, customers, and the community.
On the other hand, companies with strong safety cultures often experience higher employee retention, improved productivity, and stronger relationships with stakeholders. A commitment to safety demonstrates that a company values its employees and is dedicated to operating responsibly.
An Urgent Call to Action
The rise in occupational danger rankings is a wake-up call for the industry to double down on its commitment to safety. By prioritizing leadership engagement, employee involvement, comprehensive training, and the integration of advanced technology, waste and recycling companies can ensure a robust safety culture that protects lives and fosters a sustainable future. The time to act is now鈥攂ecause safety is a fundamental value that defines the industry鈥檚 commitment to our workers and the communities we serve. | WA
Will Flower is a distinguished solid waste professional and recycling expert with more than 40 years of industry experience. Today, Will provides consulting services to organizations seeking to improve waste management practices, develop recycling programs, and navigate complex environmental regulations. He can be reached through his web site at