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In its recently published Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, the
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in the U.S. has indicated that the
fatality rate for solid waste collection workers (both refuse and recyclable material collectors)
decreased from 31 fatalities in 2008 to 19 fatalities in 2009, a 39%
drop.
The report indicated that the number of fatalities for all waste
management and remediation service employees (including collection, landfill workers,
etc.) fell from 74 to 43 during the same period, a 42% decline.
The National Solid Waste Management Association (NSWMA) Safety Director
David Biderman stated, "We are very pleased that the solid waste
industry reduced the number of workplace fatalities in 2009. According
to NSWMA data, the leading cause of waste collection worker fatality is
being struck by another vehicle, and we will continue to work with
members, regulators and others to educate the public about this hazard.
Seven collection workers were killed in struck bys in 2009, and there
have been at least 4 fatal struck bys so far in 2010."
Biderman continued, "A substantial and disproportionate number of the
fatalities in 2009 occurred at small haulers who are not NSWMA members,
and this trend has accelerated in 2010."
Biderman urges 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.
Be Safe Be Proud is a series of industry safety videos developed by
NSWMA (under a grant awarded by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health
Administration) with the solid waste worker in mind. These videos are
available in VHS or DVD formats. The 18-20 minute videos feature actual
solid waste employees in real workplace hazard situations faced by
drivers and helpers on collection routes or by workers at landfills and transfer stations.
They help companies and governments reduce accidents, injuries, and
fatalities.
