Enhancing workplace safety and compliance in the waste industry requires collaboration, innovation, adherence to best practices, and giving your team the agency to recognize the critical role they play in avoiding injury.
By David Miller
The waste industry is no stranger to safety concerns. Workers handle potentially hazardous materials, operate heavy machinery, and otherwise flirt with danger in many forms. One of the biggest challenges to a successful safety program in high-risk occupations is maintaining safety when workers become numb to the dangers. Facing the same hazardous situation for the 1,000th time is not going to get the adrenaline pumping like it did the first day on the job. How do you help them stay vigilant?
#1: Communicate Frankly About the Chain of Responsibility
A company is responsible for providing all the equipment and training that is meant to ensure the safety of the worker. If OSHA performs an inspection and finds any shortcomings in the safety program, the company鈥攏ot the workers鈥攚ill be fined.
All of this is as it should be, but of coursee, we never want the employee to form the mistaken belief that the company guarantees their safety. No amount of PPE and training can do that. Mike Rowe, the television personality made famous by shows like Dirty Jobs and Deadliest Catch, has ruffled the feathers of more than one safety professional by coining the phrase, 鈥淪afety Third.鈥�
The premise of his argument is that safety is never truly the first priority of a business, so to post signs proclaiming such is disingenuous and does little to keep workers any safer. Rowe maintains that safety competes with other very important priorities鈥攍ike making a profit鈥攁nd by communicating this frank admission, workers gain an appreciation for the role they must play in keeping themselves safe. The company must provide all the tools for employees to be protected, but incidents are a lot less likely when the team member recognizes their own agency in staying out of trouble.
Image courtesy of Accuform NMC.
#2: Culture Is Key
Having said that, management has a tremendous opportunity to set the tone and communicate by word and example the reverence for the concept of safety. Leadership must demonstrate an unwavering commitment to safety. Initiatives such as regular safety meetings, open-door policies for reporting concerns, and celebrating milestones without incidents are effective in reinforcing a safety-first mindset. Workers should feel empowered to voice concerns without fear of retaliation, creating a collaborative atmosphere where safety is everyone鈥檚 responsibility.
#3: Comprehensive Training Programs
Training is a cornerstone of workplace safety and compliance. Employees should receive initial onboarding as well as ongoing refresher training tailored to their specific roles. Training topics might include:
鈥� Proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials.
鈥� Operation of heavy equipment and vehicles.
鈥� Use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
鈥� Practice of emergency response protocols.
Interactive training sessions, such as hands-on simulations and scenario-based exercises, can enhance retention and engagement. Additionally, embracing e-learning platforms allows employees to access training materials at their own pace, catering to varied learning styles.
#4: Maintain Compliance with Regulations
The waste industry is subject to strict regulatory standards, such as those outlined by OSHA and the EPA. Staying compliant requires vigilance and a proactive approach. Companies should:
鈥� Conduct regular audits to identify and address potential non-compliance.
鈥� Maintain accurate records of inspections, incidents, and corrective actions.
鈥� Stay informed about changes in regulations and update policies accordingly. Partnering with compliance experts or using compliance management software can streamline efforts and reduce the risk of violations.
#5: Implement Risk Assessment and Management
Identifying potential hazards before they escalate is critical. A thorough risk assessment involves:
鈥� Inspecting work sites and facilities for risks, such as chemical spills, sharp objects, or unstable surfaces.
鈥� Evaluating the safety of equipment and machinery.
鈥� Identifying high-risk activities, such as confined space entry or manual lifting.
Based on these assessments, companies should develop and implement mitigation strategies, such as engineering controls, administrative procedures, or enhanced PPE requirements.
#6: Regular Equipment Maintenance
Malfunctioning equipment poses a significant risk to workers. Establishing a preventive maintenance schedule for machinery and vehicles can reduce accidents and downtime. Inspections should include checks for worn parts, fluid leaks, and calibration errors. Operators should also perform daily equipment inspections and report any issues immediately.
#7: Emergency Preparedness
A well-prepared workforce can respond effectively to emergencies, minimizing harm and disruption. Employers should develop and communicate clear emergency response plans, covering scenarios such as chemical spills, fires, and natural disasters. Conducting regular drills and reviewing response procedures ensures employees are confident and prepared.
#8: Promote Worker Health and Well-Being
Physical and mental well-being are integral to safety. Employers can support their workforce by:
鈥� Providing access to healthcare and wellness programs.
鈥� Encouraging regular breaks to prevent fatigue.
鈥� Addressing mental health concerns through resources like counseling services.
Healthy, rested employees are more alert, productive, and less prone to accidents.
A Critical Role
Enhancing workplace safety and compliance in the waste industry requires collaboration, innovation, adherence to best practices, and giving your team the agency to recognize the critical role they play in avoiding injury. By working together toward a goal of safety and compliance, everyone has an excellent chance to enjoy a long and accident-free career鈥攅ven in the hazardous world of waste management. | WA
David Miller is the Waste Industry Manager for HUB Industrial Supply (Lake City, FL). He is a Certified Safety Professional and works with managers to effectively implement and manage PPE and MRO programs in the waste industry. He may be reached at [email protected]. HUB Industrial Supply is an Applied MSSSM company.
Reference
鈥� Mike Rowe鈥檚 Safety 3rd video: