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The United States Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) announced on August 26th that it renewed its alliance with the National Waste & Recycling Association (“NWRA”) and the Solid Waste Association of North America (“SWANA”) with the shared goal of improving the safety and health of workers in the solid waste and recycling industry.
OSHA states that during the three-year agreement, the organization will focus on safety issues such as:
- Transportation hazards.
- Backovers and distracted driving.
- Slips.
- Trips.
- Falls.
- Needlestick and musculoskeletal injuries.
An additional focus is stated to include lithium battery hazards in waste and recycling collection and processing.
OSHA’s Alliance Program is described by the agency as developing voluntary, collaborative working relationships with organizations that are committed to workplace safety and health. It utilizes the program with organizations such as trade and professional associations, labor unions, educational institutions, community and faith-based groups, and government agencies to share information about initiatives in compliance assistance, resources with workers and employers, and educate workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities.
SWANA describes itself as member-based association of professionals from across the waste and resource management industry. The organization has 47 chapters in the United States (including Arkansas), Canada, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Basin.
The NWRA describes itself as representing the private sector of the waste and recycling services industry. Association members are stated to conduct business in all 50 states and include companies that manage solid, industrial/hazardous, medical, and construction/demolition debris waste.
A copy of the OSHA news release can be downloaded here.
