U.S. Waste Worker Fatalities Rise

01 September 2011

The number of fatalities among solid waste collection workers has increased from 20 in 2009 to 26 in 2010 according to a report released by the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS report ranks the solid waste collection the seventh most dangerous in the country.

This BLS report comes as a blow to the industry, which in recent years has been reducing its injury rate. A 2010 BLS report indicated that the injury and illness rate for  waste and recycling collection workers had decreased dramatically to 6.1 from 7.7 per 100 full time employees, more than a 21% decrease from the previous year.

David Biderman, the Safety Director for the National Solid Wastes Management Association (NSWMA), the national group that represent garbage and recycling collectors, reacted to this BLS report, saying, "NSWMA will be exploring the reasons for the increase in reported fatalities. NSWMA will redouble its efforts to prevent fatal accidents, including the release of an updated Safety Manual in 2012."

The number of fatal work injuries across all U.S. industries resulting from fires and explosions rose from 113 in 2009 to 187 in 2010, an increase of 6%, while fatalities from the same cause rose by 106% from 53 in 2009 to 109 in 2010.

Fatal falls declined 2% in 2010, while fatal injuries resulting from being struck by objects or equipment were down 4%. Fatal work injuries involving exposure to harmful substances or environments were up slightly, but electrocutions declined.

Transportation incidents decreased slightly in 2010 relative to 2009, but still accounted for nearly 40% of fatal work injuries in 2010. Non-highway incidents, such as an off-road tractor overturn, were up 4% as were transportation incidents involving pedestrians and railways.

Biderman has urged all haulers and local governments to participate in NSWMA's safety programs, including the Be Safe, Be Proud and Slow Down to Get Around (SDTGA) programs, and communicate the importance of working safely to their employees.

The NSWMA recently partnered with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to create a bill stuffer (in English and Spanish) that explains the importance of safe driving around garbage trucks.

Workplace homicides fell by 7% in 2010 to 506 cases - down from 1080 homicides reported in 1994.