• Transport

  Recycling and waste collection saw a downwards trend in fatalities in 2019

  Posted by Nigel on 31 December 2020 at 4:40 pm

  The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released the 2019 National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries showing that refuse and recyclable materials collectors had the 6th deadliest occupation in the United States. This is a slight improvement from being 5th on the list, where it has been for the past several years. The workplace fatality rate for this group declined from 44.3 in 2018 to 35.2. This is still above the 2017 and 2016 rates which were 35.0 and 34.1, respectively.

  Solid waste collection saw a reduction in fatalities in 2019, with 43 worker deaths. This is down from 57 in 2018 but remains well above the average rate of 36.6 over the previous 8 years. Fatalities at material recovery facilities remained unchanged from the previous year with three. The data profile for solid waste landfills does not show any fatalities listed for 2019.

  SWANA’s 2019 fatality report recorded 11 fatalities occurring at landfills, including several incidents involving landfill workers and contract employees. SWANA intends to reach out to BLS for additional clarification concerning its 2019 landfill employee category.

  “Although the reduction in worker fatalities last year compared to 2018 is welcome, the frequency of these fatal incidents is still above historical averages, and remains too high,” stated David Biderman, SWANA’s Executive Director and CEO. “We expect to report a further decline for the current year when SWANA releases its annual industry safety report for 2020 in connection with our February 2021 Safety Summit.

  SWANA will continue providing useful safety resources and information to the public and private sector waste industry, in both the United States and Canada, in our effort to reduce fatalities, accidents, collisions, and claims involving our employees, trucks, heavy equipment and facilities. Nothing we do is more important.”

  

  Nigel replied 3 years, 12 months ago 1 Member · 0 Replies
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