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The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), Arlington, Virginia, and the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), Silver Spring, Maryland, have issued a joint statement addressing the December 2024 report of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries.
Both organizations have expressed serious concerns regarding the margin of error in the fatal injury rate, which is used to determine the list of occupations with the highest fatality rates. The accuracy of this list is of critical importance, the organizations say, as it is often referenced by insurance agencies and other organizations when making decisions that impact the industry.
NWRA and SWANA say they are committed to working with stakeholders to collect and report actionable data to reflect the reality of safety challenges in the waste management industry.
The BLS report highlighted a significant increase in the fatality rate among refuse and recyclable materials collectors. The 2023 fatality rate of 41.4 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers (FTE) represents an increase from the 2022 rate of 22.6 per 100,000 FTE.
BLS calculated a total of 41 fatalities occurred in 2023, making this occupation the fourth deadliest occupation in the United States, up from seventh in 2021 and 2022. Transportation incidents remain the primary cause of fatalities in this occupation and across all industries.
NWRA President and CEO Michael E. Hoffman has released the following statement:
“The findings of the latest U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics report are deeply concerning and underscore the need for more accurate and reliable data to guide our safety efforts. Without precise data, it becomes increasingly difficult to identify and address the root causes of these tragic incidents. At NWRA, we are engaged in research initiatives, innovative training programs and supplying resources, such as the FOCUS program for independent haulers and the Cab For All study, to improve safety outcomes. Accurate data is vital to ensuring these initiatives have the maximum impact on protecting our workforce, with the goal to be out of the top ten deadliest occupations by 2030.”
SWANA Executive Director and CEO Amy Lestition Burke emphasizes:
“The increase in fatalities reported for 2023 is a stark reminder of the importance of detailed data in shaping our safety strategies. We are disappointed by the drop from seventh to fourth on the list compared to 2022 data. We are committed to working to ensure the data reflects an accurate picture of the challenges we face. Every worker in our industry deserves to be protected, and precise data will enable us to allocate resources more effectively and develop targeted solutions. Together, we must prioritize accuracy to honor the essential contributions of professionals in waste and resource management.”
Both NWRA and SWANA provide extensive safety training, outreach, targeted research and resources to address safety challenges in the waste and recycling industry.
These offerings include NWRA’s engagement with Environmental Research and Education Foundation, Raleigh, North Carolina, to better understand the root cause of accidents, the FOCUS program to provide safety training for independent haulers, a weekly “Safety Mondays” newsletter, the Cab For All study and safety-focused training and educational programs at events year round, which all aim to create safer and more ergonomic environments for drivers.
SWANA’s initiatives include a Safety Pledge, the weekly “Safety First” newsletter, the “Five to Stay Alive” guidelines, the Safety Ambassadors program, safety training sessions, publications from the Applied Research Foundation and safety programming at conferences.
Both organizations also emphasize the importance of public awareness, urging drivers and pedestrians to exercise caution around collection vehicles, slow down/move over, and respect the vital role collection workers play in maintaining sustainable and livable communities. This is promoted through the Slow Down To Get Around program, promoted by both NWRA and SWANA.
Advocating for infrastructure, safety improvements
The release of the 2023 fatality data highlights the critical need for improved infrastructure, including support for automated collections, enhanced safety features on vehicles and innovative technologies to protect lives, NWRA and SWANA say. Both organizations call upon industry stakeholders, policymakers and the public to join their efforts in promoting safety and reducing fatalities.
In a call to action, NWRA and SWANA urge all members to commit to safety improvements in 2025 and beyond.
