Safety Matters

September 10, 2020

National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month, a time to put in place and review plans for emergency preparedness and response. As 2020 has shown, having established procedures, even for events that are low-probability, can make a huge difference in response.

SWANA’s National Disaster Resources webpage is a great place to start your own organization’s review. There you will find emergency, preparedness resources, information on disaster debris and flooding management, and online tools for recovery and clean up. FEMA’S COVID-19 Pandemic Operational Guidance for the 2020 Hurricane Season is highlighted as well. Hurricane season in the Atlantic lasts through November 30.

You can also checkout OSHA’s Emergency Preparedness and Response webpage that provides information to protect workers responding to hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, floods, and other natural disasters.

Accidents in the News

Through 8/31/20

Grass Valley, CA – A 59-year-old worker was collecting litter when he was struck and killed by a driver reportedly under the influence. MORE

Ellery, NY – A 56-year-old garbage truck driver dumped his load at a landfill and was standing behind the pile when a bulldozer operator began pushing the garbage into the pit, striking and killing the man. MORE

Mobile, AL – A woman died after crashing into the back of a garbage truck on a two-lane, rural road. MORE

New Port Richey, FL – A bicyclist reportedly crossing illegally against the light was struck by a garbage truck driver making a left turn. MORE

Teaneck, NJ – A 70-year-old contractor clearing storm debris from a local park was struck and killed by his own vehicle when it rolled back while off-loading the truck’s contents. MORE

Hancock County, OH –A 70-year-old worker at a landfill became pinned between his vehicle and a dumpster and suffered fatal injuries. MORE

Baltimore, MD – A collection worker reportedly suffered a medical issue while on his route and died. MORE

East Providence, RI – A collection vehicle driver was found dead pinned between his truck and a dumpster. MORE