FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2024
NATIONAL WASTE & RECYCLING ASSOCIATION REINFORCES COMMITMENT TO SAFETY AMID OSHA’S PROPOSED HEAT STANDARD
Arlington, VA – Early the week of January 13, the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) submitted comments on OSHA’s proposed Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Standard, stressing the need for flexibility to address heat risks across diverse work environments. The waste and recycling industry operates year-round in a wide variety of conditions, making adaptable safety measures essential.
“Safety is a core value of the waste and recycling industry,” said NWRA President and CEO Michael E. Hoffman. “Our members are committed to protecting their employees from heat-related illnesses and injuries through proactive measures, including comprehensive training, access to hydration, and adherence to safety protocols tailored to the unique demands of our industry.”
NWRA urged OSHA to allow employers to customize Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Plans (HIIPP) based on local conditions and existing safety tools. Recommendations include using region-specific weather data and tailored monitoring methods. This flexibility ensures plans reflect the nature of work and environmental conditions, improving their effectiveness. Managing daily waste and recycling collection and disposal is very local and therefore rulemaking needs to account for specific local conditions.
“With a proposed rulemaking intended to apply to employers across a range of industries and environments under OSHA jurisdiction, ensuring the rule guarantees the flexibility of employers to develop plans appropriate to their operations is critical,” said Kirk Sander, NWRA senior vice president of safety and standards. “NWRA and its members are committed to employee health and safety. We are determined to reduce the risks involved in our industry, which extends to setting appropriate plans for temperature and weather response. Overly prescriptive rules would make it more difficult to provide safe working conditions in all the many locations and environments in which we work.”
NWRA’s comments also highlighted potential unintended consequences of rigid rules, such as requiring electrolyte beverages unsuitable for all workers or PPE that may increase safety risks. Flexibility in these areas is vital to addressing varied workplace conditions safely.
“Our comments emphasize the commitment of NWRA members to plan and respond in ways that protect employees in high heat situations,” Sander said. “The comments also try to provide examples to demonstrate our belief that this cannot be a one-size-fits-all rule.”
The waste and recycling industry plays a vital role in public health and environmental sustainability. NWRA’s focus on safety reflects its dedication to protecting the hardworking individuals who keep communities clean and sustainable.
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ABOUT NWRA
The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) represents the private sector waste and recycling services industry. Association members conduct business in all 50 states and include companies that manage solid, industrial/hazardous, medical, and construction/demolition debris waste, and represent equipment manufacturers and distributors, and a variety of other professional service providers. For more information about NWRA, please visit www.wasterecycling.org.
