Thirty-three fatalities occurred among refuse and recyclable material collectors in 2013, according to preliminary data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as reported by the National Waste & Recycling Association (NW&RA), Washington.
The incidence rate for this occupation also was 33, meaning that for every 100,000 refuse and recyclable material collectors, 33 fatalities occurred. In the final report for 2012, the actual number and the incidence rate for fatalities were 26 and 27.1, respectively, the NW&RA notes.
“While we are not surprised by the BLS data, we are disappointed to see the slight increase in fatal injuries in our industry,” says John Haudenshield, director of safety at the NW&RA.
He adds, “NW&RA has been proactive in expanding our safety program by developing ANSI standards, implementing the Safe Driver Certification program and publishing the Manual of Recommended Safety Practices for the Waste & Recycling Industry.”
Haudenshield says most of these fatalities result from workers being struck by vehicles.
He adds, “To address this, NW&RA is actively promoting Slow Down to Get Around (SDTGA) legislation across the country. Earlier this summer, West Virginia passed SDTGA into law, and we continue to seek partnerships for this important legislation to be the champion of safety for the waste and recycling industry.”
While refuse and recycling collectors saw an increase in fatalities in 2013, across all professions, the fatality incidence rate decreased from 3.4 to 3.2 fatalities per 100,000 workers. The actual number of fatalities also decreased in 2012 from 4,628 to 4,405, according to BLS figures as reported by the NW&RA.
The incidence rate for this occupation also was 33, meaning that for every 100,000 refuse and recyclable material collectors, 33 fatalities occurred. In the final report for 2012, the actual number and the incidence rate for fatalities were 26 and 27.1, respectively, the NW&RA notes.
“While we are not surprised by the BLS data, we are disappointed to see the slight increase in fatal injuries in our industry,” says John Haudenshield, director of safety at the NW&RA.
He adds, “NW&RA has been proactive in expanding our safety program by developing ANSI standards, implementing the Safe Driver Certification program and publishing the Manual of Recommended Safety Practices for the Waste & Recycling Industry.”
Haudenshield says most of these fatalities result from workers being struck by vehicles.
He adds, “To address this, NW&RA is actively promoting Slow Down to Get Around (SDTGA) legislation across the country. Earlier this summer, West Virginia passed SDTGA into law, and we continue to seek partnerships for this important legislation to be the champion of safety for the waste and recycling industry.”
While refuse and recycling collectors saw an increase in fatalities in 2013, across all professions, the fatality incidence rate decreased from 3.4 to 3.2 fatalities per 100,000 workers. The actual number of fatalities also decreased in 2012 from 4,628 to 4,405, according to BLS figures as reported by the NW&RA.