Safety Matters

OSHA Launches COVID-19 National Emphasis Program, Issues List of Most Common Citations

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has launched a national emphasis program (NEP) focusing enforcement efforts on companies that put the largest number of workers at serious risk of contracting the coronavirus. The solid waste industry as a whole is not identified as a high-risk workplace targeted for inspections, but OSHA Area Offices can add establishments to the list based on a variety of factors. The program also prioritizes employers that retaliate against workers for complaints about unsafe or unhealthy conditions, or for exercising other rights protected by federal law.

NEP inspections are meant to enhance the agency’s previous coronavirus enforcement efforts, and will include some follow-up inspections of worksites inspected in 2020. The program will remain in effect for up to one year from its issuance date, though OSHA has the flexibility to amend or cancel the program as the pandemic subsides. While it does not require it, OSHA encourages states to adopt the NEP. State plans must notify federal OSHA of their intention to adopt the NEP within 60 days after its issuance.

OSHA has also issued guidance and an accompanying one-pager to help employers understand which standards are most frequently cited during coronavirus-related inspections. OSHA based these documents on data from citations issued. The one-pager and guidance document provide available resources that address the most frequently cited standards, including Respiratory Protection, Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, Personal Protective Equipment and the General Duty Clause.

OSHA is expected to issue an emergency temporary standard governing COVID exposure and reporting in the workplace in April 2021. SWANA is closely monitoring this activity and will provide a timely summary of the standard after it is issued.

Accidents in the News

Through 2/28/21

Adamstown, MD – A 64-year-old collection worker was killed on his first day on the job while riding on the back of a recycling truck. The vehicle failed to negotiate a curve covered in ice and snow, slid and overturned, pinning the worker underneath. MORE

Saipan, MP – One man was killed and another injured when a garbage truck collided with a pickup truck making a left turn at an intersection. MORE

Gates, NY – A 63-year-old man was killed when he stopped to make a left turn and was rear-ended by a garbage truck. The impact pushed the victim’s car into the oncoming lane where it was struck by a pickup truck. MORE

New York City, NY – A pedestrian was struck and killed by a dump truck making a left turn. MORE

Harrodsburg, KY – A 49-year-old man died after crashing into the back of a stopped garbage truck. One garbage truck had stopped for collection in front of a residence and a second garbage truck was behind it, shielding traffic from the right-hand lane. The victim reportedly drove straight into the rear of the second truck. MORE

Monmouth, IL – An 18-year-old male was killed in a crash after crossing the centerline and colliding with an oncoming garbage truck. MORE

Dayton, OH – A collection driver was found in the road after being struck by his truck. It is believed that the driver may have suffered a medical event and fell from the vehicle. MORE

Sioux Falls, SD – A 21-year-old male was killed after crashing head-on into a garbage truck. MORE

Plainfield Township, MI – A 79-year-old pedestrian was struck and killed by a collection vehicle while backing. MORE

Kitchener, ON – A 77-year-old pedestrian was struck and killed by a recycling truck making a left turn.   MORE

Oak Harbor, OH – A 71-year-old man was killed after colliding with a garbage truck stopped for collection. MORE

Aurora, CO – An 85-year-old bicyclist was struck and killed by a garbage truck making a right-hand turn. MORE

Access the SWANA Virtual Safety Summit

SWANA’s Virtual Safety Summit may be over, but the great content is still available. OnDemand access to the event is available to be viewed on your schedule. Hear safety leaders at Waste Management, Republic, Waste Connections, Rumpke, Caterpillar, and more provide useful information on how to reduce collisions, injuries, and accidents. You’ll also learn about the latest industry data on 2020 fatalities and gain insights on the pandemic response, vaccines, and what lessons can be applied for the future.

Upcoming Safety Events

Safety and Health Week
May 2-8, 2021
Canada
Click here for more info>>

National Stand-Down to Prevent Falls
May 3 – 7, 2021
U.S.
Click here for more info>>

International Roadcheck
May 4 – 6, 2021
North America
Click here for more info>>

Gold Rush Chapter Safety Webinar
May 14, 2021
Webinar
Click here for more info>>

Heat Illness Prevention Campaign
May 22, 2021
U.S.
Click here for more info>>

Safe+Sound Week
August 9-13, 2021
U.S.
Click here for more info>>