The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently issued good news: The fatality rate for collectors of trash/recyclables substantially decreased in 2007 from 2006. This is a big deal because garbage collectors while performing their essential services are the victims of far too many accidents. (Nearly one garbage man dies each week in an accident, and many more are injured each year.)
Trash collection, processing and disposal can be dangerous activities that require proper safety training and well maintained equipment. NSWMA is committed to keeping people safe. We have one of the most comprehensive safety programs for the entire waste industry. We work with the government agencies and our members to stress safety. And there are some relatively simple things that can make a big difference.
Statistics suggest that the number of garbage men struck by cars while doing their work has increased in recent years. So one of the most important things we can do is stress the importance of drivers slowing down when they approach a garbage truck. All new drivers are trained to take extra care when driving near a school bus or emergency vehicles; we also need to consciously slow down around trash collectors. It’s the best way that we can keep garbage collectors and ourselves safe.
No comments yet.