OSHA, NWRA, SWANA renew partnership

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) and the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) say they have renewed their partnership with the aim of reinforcing a shared commitment to improving safety and health outcomes for workers in the waste and recycling industries.

Through their three-year agreement, the organizations say they will work together on initiatives to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses by sharing resources, training materials and best practices focused on the most pressing hazards in the industry, including needlestick injuries, slips, trips and falls, head and cold stress and other occupational health risks faced by solid waste and recycling workers.

“By signing this agreement, our organizations are demonstrating a continued commitment to making the waste and recycling industry safer,” says Michael E. Hoffman, president and CEO of the Arlington, Virginia-based NWRA. “This renewed alliance allows us to work together with OSHA to deliver practical tools and guidance that protect the essential workers who keep our communities clean and safe.”

The organizations say they will place special emphasis on outreach to small- and medium-sized employers and will use data on injuries, illnesses and hazard exposure to guide awareness campaigns and training efforts. They say their agreement also encourages cross-participation in events hosted by each organization to expand the reach of safety and health messaging.

“We value the role of collaboration in keeping our workers safe,” says Amy Lestition Burke, CEO of Silver Springs, Maryland-based SWANA. “This alliance provides the opportunity for SWANA and NWRA to work closely with OSHA on sharing and developing critical resources. Together, we are building a culture of safety that ensures every worker thrives and returns home each day.”

The organizations say their agreement is a reaffirmation of their commitment to ensuring that safety remains a top priority for the waste and recycling workforce.