Dive Brief:

• The National Waste & Recycling Association has released new safety "best practices" for operators of MRFs, landfills, and transfer stations, in result of a year-long effort from NWRA's Safety Committee. The tips cover a range of important safety matters, from the proper equipment to wear on-site, to vehicle operations. 
• The best practices follow a "call to action" from NWRA President Sharon Kneiss, in which NWRA called on companies to encourage safety dialogue and practices. "And, of course, you can look for every opportunity in your role within your company to promote and advance best safety practices," Kneiss said in the statement. 
• This issue of best practices is the first in a series of that NWRA will release. 

Dive Insight:

NWRA's efforts to increase safety among members is crucial for the industry, as constant fatalities continue to prove the dangers of waste and recycling occupations.

While the best practices released this week mainly cover safety measures for haulers (i.e. "No riders on the outside of vehicles," or "No cell phone use while driving or operating equipment"), NWRA Vice President of Communications Chris Doherty explains that best practices for further safety issues — like fire prevention or lockout tagout (LOTO) hazards — are forthcoming. 

"There's no reason that anything's been neglected," said NWRA Vice President of Communications Chris Doherty. "We will have other best practices coming out on things like truck fires, backing, and more diving deep. This is just the first in a series of best practices."

Doherty also explained that members will receive "Safety Monday" emails each week, focusing on one specific safety issue. The Safety Monday PDF is also used by SWANA and other associations for distribution to their members.