NWRA and SWANA issue joint statement on errors in occupational fatality data

The National Waste and Recycling Association (NWRA) and the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) have issued a joint release 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 express 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, as it is often referenced by insurance agencies and other organizations when making decisions that impact the industry. NWRA and SWANA are committed to working with relevant organizations to collect and report actionable data to reflect the reality of safety challenges in the waste management industry.

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. Both organizations call upon industry stakeholders, policymakers, and the public to join their efforts in promoting safety and reducing fatalities.

Organizations are concerned about the safety of refuse workers 

The BLS report highlights a significant and alarming 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 a stark 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.

Both NWRA and SWANA provide clear safety training, outreach, targeted research, and resources to address safety challenges in the waste and recycling industry. 

These safety challenges include NWRA's engagement with the Environmental Research and Education Foundation (EREF) to better understand the root cause of accidents, the FOCUS program to provide safety training for independent haulers, a weekly "Safety Mondays" newsletter, and safety-focused training and educational programs at events year-round, which aim to create safer 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 (ARF), and safety programming at conferences.

The organizations also emphasize the importance of public awareness, urging drivers and pedestrians to exercise caution around collection vehicles, slow down or move over, and respect the vital role collection workers play in maintaining sustainable and livable communities. 

A call to action and better safety procedures 

NWRA and SWANA urge all members to commit to safety improvements in 2025 and beyond. Together, these organizations remain assured in their mission to protect the workers who provide indispensable services to communities across North America.

Michael E. Hoffman, president and CEO of NWRA, released the following statement: "The findings of the latest 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." 

Amy Lestition Burke, MA, FASAE, CAE, executive director and CEO of SWANA, emphasized: "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 7th to 4th on the list compared to 2022 data. 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."