The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has renewed its national alliance with the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) and the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), reaffirming a joint commitment to improving worker safety and health in the solid waste and recycling industry.
The renewed three-year agreement will focus on addressing key hazards facing workers in the sector, including transportation risks such as backovers and distracted driving, slips, trips and falls, as well as needlestick injuries and musculoskeletal disorders. The alliance will also prioritise emerging concerns linked to lithium battery hazards in waste collection and processing operations.
Through this collaboration, OSHA, NWRA, and SWANA aim to develop and distribute a range of resources to support safety across the industry. These will include educational articles, fact sheets, and toolkits to raise awareness and prevent common industry hazards. The partners will also participate in industry events, forums, and meetings to engage with stakeholders and share safety best practices.
Particular emphasis will be placed on reaching small- and medium-sized businesses within the waste and recycling sector, ensuring that all employers—regardless of size—have access to essential guidance and tools to safeguard their workforce.
The renewed partnership is part of OSHA’s broader Alliance Program, which builds strategic relationships with organisations dedicated to enhancing workplace safety and health. Participating groups include industry associations, trade unions, academic institutions, community groups, and government bodies.
Under the Alliance framework, OSHA works with its partners to provide information, training, and resources that promote safe working environments. These collaborations also help ensure workers understand their rights and employers are aware of their legal responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
