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Practical Safety Tips For Municipal Solid Waste Departments

Practical Safety Tips For Municipal Solid Waste Departments. David Biderman – EIA/NSWMA/WASTEC davidb@envasns.org 202-364-3743. 2007 Fall Summit Philadelphia, PA. Solid Waste Fatality Data. Most DPW and solid waste managers know solid waste

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Practical Safety Tips For Municipal Solid Waste Departments

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  1. Practical Safety Tips ForMunicipal Solid Waste Departments David Biderman – EIA/NSWMA/WASTEC davidb@envasns.org 202-364-3743 2007 Fall Summit Philadelphia, PA

  2. Solid Waste Fatality Data Most DPW and solid waste managers know solid waste collection is dangerous. Do you know how dangerous? • Waste/recyclable collection workers have the 5th highest fatality rate in the United States! • 41.8 per 100,000 workers (38 in 2006). • 10 times higher than the national average. • 4 times higher than construction. • About 20 other employee fatalities at transfer stations, landfills and MRF’s.

  3. Solid Waste Injury Data Solid waste employees also have high injury and illness rates and days away from work: Injury RateDays Away Waste Collection 8.5 per 100 3.6 per 100 Waste Disposal 7.3 per 100 2.46 per 100

  4. Solid Waste Accident Data Solid waste vehicles are also involved in many accidents causing fatalities, injuries and property damage to third-parties. • Solid waste vehicles were involved in crashes involving 97 fatalities and 2,428 injuries to third-parties in 2005.

  5. Now That I Have Your Attention… How are you going to reduce the frequency and severity of accidents and injuries and reduce the number of employee and third-party fatalities?

  6. Practical Safety Tips • The majority of accidents and injuries are caused by unsafe BEHAVIOR, not unsafe conditions • Safety = getting adults to change their unsafe behavior • This is not easy

  7. Practical Safety Tips Traditional elements of a good safety program: • Management Commitment • Employee Participation • Hazard Assessment • Hazard Abatement • Medical Management • Measure Performance

  8. Practical Safety Tips Safety needs to be more than a “program”: • Safety should be part of your department’s culture – part of your DNA. • Commissioners and managers need to “own” safety and play a leadership role with drivers, helpers and others.

  9. Safety: More Than Just a Program • Training • Job Observation – PPE/Unsafe Acts • Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Inspections • Safety Meetings • Communication • Progressive Discipline for Unsafe Acts • Incentives – Safe v. Fast • Equipment – Automated and Safety Add-ons. • Who Are You Hiring?

  10. Training • New Hires and Existing Employees. • How to Train: – Multimedia – pictures/video, classroom, computer. – Interactive. – Keep it short. – Make it relevant – e.g., PPE/ eyewear. – Use humor. – Language/literacy issues.

  11. Route Observation • The best way for you to find out if your drivers and helpers are following the rules and working safely is to watch them: • PPE • Seat Belts • Backing • Riding Steps • Speed • Cell Phone

  12. Routing • Are routes developed with safety in mind? • Minimize backing. • Eliminate crossing streets and zigzags. • Safe speed. • Unprotected left hand turns.

  13. Safety Incentives • Should you have them? • Safety v. production incentives. • Individual v. group incentives: – Do some incentives discourage reporting of injuries? • Behavior Incentives. • Money v. gift cards v. stuff. • Management/drivers/helpers.

  14. Repeaters What do you do to deal with employees who get into multiple accidents? One large solid waste company has determined 50% of claims were caused by 10% of employees, – Zero tolerance. – 3 strikes and you’re out. – Focused refresher training with a “safety leader.”

  15. Transfer Stations and Landfills • All employees need to wear PPE. • Space management. • Traffic flow. • Who gets out of the truck? • Spotters.

  16. ANSI – Critical to Safety The ANSI Z245 standards provide a blueprint for safe waste collection operations: • No one on step when backing. • No one on step when >10 mph or .2 miles. • No one on sill or in hopper. • Face vehicle with both hands on handholds. If we don’t comply with ANSI standards, federal and state governments will pass laws changing how we do our jobs (cameras, helmets, training).

  17. OSHA Compliance The 3 most common OSHA violators for solid waste companies: • Hazard Communication • Lockout Tagout • Confined Space These violations involve safety hazards that can be prevented.

  18. Changing the Safety Culture It isn’t easy – but it’s critical! • Management’s Role. • Employee Participation. • Safety Committee • Incentives/Punishment. • Communication – Slogans/Signs/Wristbands.

  19. Practical Safety Tips – The Bottom Line • There is no magic solution. • Successful employers are focusing on employee behavior. • Safety is an investment, not an expense. • Don’t wait until an accident happens.

  20. Practical Safety Tips – Additional Resources • EIA/NSWMA/WASTEC • Safety Monday • ANSI Standards • Safety Videos • Coaching the Refuse Driver • OSHA website • Lots of Spanish Info • Voluntary programs • www.nswma.org • www.wastec.org • davidb@envasns.org - www.osha.gov

  21. Be SAFE Be PROUD www.NSWMA.org

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