News

Safety Matters

June 25, 2020

SWANA Safety Awards Applications Due by Friday, July 17, 2020

Learn about the 2019 Award winners here.

Accidents in the News

Through May 31

The solid waste collection industry has experienced above-average safety performance from mid-April into early June. Unfortunately, fatalities have begun picking up, including three driver fatalities last week in the United States. As initial shutdowns in response to the COVID-19 pandemic come to an end, increased traffic, increased commercial volumes, changes to routes, and warmer weather all might be contributing to this uptick. While operations are dealing with important changes to protect workers and the public from COVID-19, it is vital that basic safety training, like SWANA’s 5 to Stay Alive tip sheets, is still emphasized.

Martin County, FL – A 27-year-old was driving a tractor-trailer on the Florida Turnpike when he hit the back of a private sector garbage truck and both rolled over. The 27-year-old was killed and the 58-year-old garbage truck driver was taken to a local hospital in serious condition. MORE

Limestone County, AL – A pickup truck struck a private sector garbage truck. The 31-year-old pickup truck driver, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was killed in the collision and a helper who was riding on the back of the garbage truck at the time was injured. MORE

OSHA On-Site Consultation for the Public and Private Sectors

Did you miss the SWANA Webinar about how public and private sector employers can use the OSHA On-Site Consultation Program to improve workplace safety and health? Don’t worry, this event was recorded and is still available for you to view for free at any time here.

OSHA's Safety and Occupational Health Specialist Opeyemi Farquah and Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration Industrial Hygienist Anthony Smykla share how the On-Site Consultation Program will help you identify potential worksite hazards and how to fix them, establish and improve occupational safety and health management systems, train and educate workers, and how to comply with OSHA standards - all at no cost.