Why going back to basics matters.
By Clay Layne
The waste industry is one of the most dangerous industries to work in. In the past few years the waste industry has climbed from the seventh most dangerous to the fourth most deadly in 2024. In the waste management industry, safety is not just a regulatory checkbox, it is also a fundamental value that determines the wellbeing of every employee, the reliability of operations, and the reputation of entire organizations. The nature of the work鈥攈andling hazardous materials, operating heavy machinery, working outdoors, long hours that require early mornings and late nights, and navigating unpredictable environments鈥攎eans that risks are ever-present.
The three causes of accidents are the weather, the machine or vehicle, and the human element. Eighty percent of all accidents are caused by the human element. Despite advancements in technology to help mitigate the human element in accidents and the introduction of stricter safety regulations, incidents continue to occur. Too often, these accidents can be traced back to the same root causes: complacency, lack of communication, and deviation from basic safety practices. The phrase 鈥渂ack to basics鈥� has never been more relevant. Re-emphasizing core safety principles is essential to building a sustainable, safety-first culture that protects both people and the planet.
#1: Understanding the Core Hazards of the Industry
Before improving safety, we must first acknowledge what makes the waste industry inherently high-risk. Workers face multiple hazards every day, including:
- Mechanical and vehicle-related incidents: Collection trucks, loaders, compactors, and all types of heavy equipment can cause serious injuries if operated unsafely or if workers are in the wrong place at the wrong time.
- Exposure to hazardous substances: Chemicals, biohazards, sharps, and unidentified materials pose risks of burns, respiratory illness, and infection.
- Manual handling injuries: Lifting, pulling, and repetitive motions can lead to musculoskeletal disorders.
- Slips, trips, and falls: Uneven terrain, wet conditions, and poor housekeeping remain common causes of injury.
- Mounting and Dismounting Incorrectly: Use three points of contact when mounting or dismounting the machine. More than 70 percent of all injuries to an operator on the jobsite are from mounting and dismounting the machine incorrectly.
- Environmental Factors: Extreme heat, cold, and poor visibility during early or late shifts increase the likelihood of accidents.
- Inexperienced Equipment Operators: The heavy equipment operator shortage is real and it is getting bigger.
Recognizing these hazards is not new. They are the same ones that safety professionals have warned about for decades. What is often missing is the consistent application of the preventive measures we already know.
#2: The Danger of Complacency
Complacency is one of the most insidious threats to workplace safety. When workers have performed the same tasks for years, it is easy to fall into routines, cut corners, or overlook procedures that seem unnecessary. The mindset of 鈥淚鈥檝e done this a thousand times鈥� can lead to catastrophic outcomes.
The challenge is cultural. Safety must never become background noise鈥攊t should remain front and center every day. Supervisors and team leaders play a key role in setting this tone. Daily safety briefings, open discussions about near misses, and regular field observations remind workers that vigilance is non-negotiable.
Training and engagement are critical, but so is leadership modeling. When managers consistently wear proper PPE, follow lockout/tagout procedures, and hold themselves accountable, it reinforces that safety is everyone鈥檚 responsibility鈥攆rom the boardroom to the collection route.
#3: Revisiting the Basics: The Building Blocks of Safe Work
The foundation of any strong safety culture lies in mastering the fundamentals. These are not complicated, but they require discipline and consistency.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE is the last line of defense against injury. Workers should be trained not only in what to wear, but also why it matters. Gloves, steel-toed boots, high-visibility vests, hard hats, and respiratory protection are all critical. However, PPE is only effective if worn correctly and maintained properly. Regular inspections and replacements prevent equipment failure at crucial moments.
Safe Heavy Equipment Operation
Vehicle-related accidents remain a leading cause of fatalities in the waste industry. Every operator must be properly licensed and undergo continuous competency assessments. Key practices include:
- Conducting pre- and post-trip inspection and anytime you get on or off a machine.
- Knowing all safety systems and functions of your equipment.
- Know all equipment blind spots and never operate in someone鈥檚 blind spot.
- Observing speed limits within yards and residential zones.
- Using spotters when reversing or operating in tight areas.
- Look in reverse before moving in reverse.
- Never using mobile devices while driving or operating equipment.
- Keep cab clean.
- Secure all items in the cab. No loose items.
Manual Handling and Ergonomics
Lifting injuries are among the most preventable. Workers should follow ergonomic principles:
鈥� Lift with legs, not the back.
鈥� Avoid twisting while carrying.
鈥� Ask for help or use mechanical aids for heavy loads.
鈥� Rotate tasks to minimize repetitive strain.
鈥� Adjust seat properly and maintain proper adjustment throughout the day.
Communication and Team Awareness
Good communication prevents most accidents. Hand signals, radios, and eye contact between operators and ground staff are small actions that save lives. 鈥淪top work authority鈥濃�攅mpowering every worker to halt an unsafe operation鈥攔einforces that safety is everyone鈥檚 duty. Communication is the most important thing we can do to prevent accidents.
Housekeeping and Site Cleanliness
A clean, organized work area is a safe one. Removing debris, securing tools, and keeping walkways clear reduce the risk of slips and trips. Housekeeping reflects a company鈥檚 overall safety culture鈥攊f small things are overlooked, larger issues often follow.
#4: The Role of Continuous Training And Competency
Training cannot be a once-a-year exercise. The waste industry evolves鈥攏ew materials, technologies, and vehicles introduce new risks. Ongoing education keeps workers sharp and responsive.
Onboarding and Induction
New hires are particularly vulnerable in their first six months. Comprehensive onboarding programs must go beyond policies and procedures to include hands-on learning, mentorship, and close supervision.
Refresher Training
Even experienced workers benefit from refreshers. Simulations, toolbox talks, and real-world scenario training maintain awareness and skills. Short, frequent sessions often work better than lengthy, infrequent ones.
Competency Assessments
Regular evaluations ensure that training translates into safe behavior. Supervisors should observe, correct, and coach workers rather than merely inspect them. Competency is not static鈥攊t is earned daily.
#5: Technology as a Partner, not a Replacement
Modern technology offers powerful tools for improving safety, but it cannot replace awareness and responsibility. Examples include:
鈥� Telematics systems that monitor driving patterns and vehicle conditions.
鈥� Wearable devices that detect fatigue or hazardous exposures.
鈥� Digital reporting platforms for near misses and hazards.
鈥� Cameras and sensors that enhance visibility and reduce blind spots.
鈥� Object detection systems that notify the operator when a person or object is behind them.
鈥� 360-degree cameras that give the operator complete viewing around the machine, including blind spots.
However, technology must be integrated thoughtfully. A tracking device does not guarantee safe behavior鈥攊t must be accompanied by training, feedback, and a culture that values proactive prevention over reactive correction.
#6: The Importance of Incident 鈥淩eporting and Learning
Incidents, near misses, and unsafe acts must be reported immediately鈥攏ot to assign blame, but to identify root causes and prevent recurrence. Unfortunately, many workers still hesitate to report, fearing punishment or paperwork.
Organizations that truly value safety build a learning culture, not a punitive one. Supervisors should encourage open dialogue, recognize those who report near misses, and share findings transparently. Every report represents an opportunity to learn and improve.
Effective investigations focus on why an incident happened, not who is at fault. Was there a gap in training? A missing control? A communication breakdown? Systemic analysis yields systemic improvement.
#7: Leadership and Accountability
Leadership commitment is the backbone of every safety program. When executives and managers prioritize safety over productivity, it sets a powerful example. Conversely, when deadlines consistently outweigh safety protocols, the message becomes clear鈥攕afety is conditional. Leaders must:
鈥� Walk the site regularly and engage with frontline teams
鈥� Ask open-ended questions about safety concerns
鈥� Review safety metrics with the same rigor as financial results
鈥� Recognize and reward safe behavior
鈥� Drive the message that everyone is responsible for SAFETY
Accountability should extend throughout the organization. Every role, from CEO to sanitation worker, has defined safety responsibilities. Ownership breeds consistency鈥攁nd consistency prevents accidents.
#8: Mental Health and Fatigue Management
Safety is not purely physical. Mental wellbeing directly affects situational awareness, reaction time, and decision-making. Long shifts, heavy workloads, and exposure to distressing materials can all take a psychological toll. Companies must treat fatigue and stress as safety hazards. Strategies include:
鈥� Scheduling adequate rest periods
鈥� Monitoring overtime and shift lengths
鈥� Providing access to mental health support programs
鈥� Encouraging open discussions about stress and burnout
A worker who feels supported is more alert, engaged, and less likely to take risks.
#9: Community and Environmental Responsibility
Safety extends beyond employees鈥攊t also includes the public and environment. Collection crews operate in neighborhoods, near schools, and alongside pedestrians. Improper handling of waste, especially hazardous or medical, can harm entire communities.
鈥淏ack to basics鈥� also means reinforcing environmental stewardship. Proper labeling, containment, and transportation of waste protect ecosystems and prevent regulatory breaches. Public awareness campaigns further reduce risks by educating residents on safe disposal practices. When the community sees waste workers practicing diligence and professionalism, it strengthens public trust in the industry as a whole.
#10: Embedding Safety into Everyday Culture
True safety excellence comes when safe behavior becomes instinctive鈥攚hen every action, big or small, is influenced by a shared sense of responsibility. Embedding safety into company culture requires:
鈥� Visible leadership: Leaders demonstrate safety, not just discuss it
鈥� Open communication: Workers freely report hazards and suggest improvements
鈥�Recognition programs: Safe behaviors are acknowledged and celebrated
鈥� Continuous improvement: Data, feedback, and innovation drive progress
Safety culture is not built overnight. It is a long-term commitment that must be renewed daily.
Back to Basics for a Safer Future
The waste industry has made tremendous strides in safety innovation, but progress can only endure if the fundamentals remain strong. Going 鈥渂ack to basics鈥� does not mean turning back the clock鈥攊t means reinforcing the timeless principles that protect lives: awareness, accountability, communication, and care.
Every worker deserves to go home safe at the end of the day. Every leader has the power to make that happen by modeling the basics, valuing people over production, and nurturing a culture where safety is not just a rule, it is also a shared belief. In the end, the path to a safer future is not about complexity or cutting-edge systems. It is about doing the simple things鈥攃onsistently, correctly, and with conviction. That is the true essence of safety in the waste industry. | WA
Clay Layne is the Director of Operations over Heavy Equipment and Operator Training at Stella Environmental, bringing more than 30 years of experience in heavy equipment operations and safety. A 17-year veteran of Caterpillar Inc., Clay worked alongside engineers in research and development and led operator training focused on best practices and safety in the waste industry. His lifelong mission is to make the industry safer for all frontline workers through leadership, education, and a culture of accountability. Clay believes that true excellence begins with safety鈥攁nd that every worker deserves to go home safe each day. He can be reached at [email protected].