Monthly Safety Scoop

By Andi Johnson

Every year during C&D World, we give out safety awards. It is the annual culmination of our safety program designed to help our members improve the safety of their operations. The effort we put towards improving operational safety is one of our best, yet often overlooked, benefits to being a CDRA member.

Our industry revolves around heavy trucks, heavy equipment, crushers, grinders, shredders, magnets, conveyors, screens, stackers, compactors, and balers. We are feeding, loading, unloading, strapping, pushing, wrenching, hauling, pulling, grabbing, and bending. All of which can have significant safety implications. It does not matter if you are a manufacturer, vendor, or on the front lines of operating a MRF, because people are involved, and we have an obligation to keep them safe. This is not an easy task. If you have been in our industry for any length of time, you have a story, maybe even several, of how someone was injured or killed in an accident that could have been prevented. Our members are on the front lines of this every day and collaborate to help one another in this endeavor.

Our Safety Committee works throughout the year to support our members on their current, most pressing safety issues. This is an interactive group with an open exchange about how to incorporate best safety practices. Learning from others saves us the trouble of having to learn by mistake, where the cost can be high. We have safety resources available on our website for all members. The self-assessment that members use for the annual safety award is also available and is a fantastic tool to provide step-by-step lists to improve safety across the board in all areas of your operation.

So this year, as you watch or read about members receiving the safety award, remember that you are not only seeing organizations that are dedicated to safety within their operations, you are seeing fellow members who recognize the importance of safety and who have made it a priority to pass it on. These are the same people who are dedicated to helping other members reach the same heights. Remember, when it comes to safety, even the smallest improvement can save a life. If you would like more information about the safety resources available to you, please visit our website or join our safety committee; no invitation is needed.