Occupational Safety Hazards in the Waste Management Industry

For hundreds of thousands of Americans, the waste management industry is a source of employment, whether it’s working on a collection truck, in a recycling facility, at a landfill, or providing remediation services, just to name a few. However, the industry is often cited in lists of industries with high rates of work-related injuries and fatalities. Here are a few common reasons why that is. 

Exposure to Dangerous Materials

Not all materials that get disposed of can be handled the same way. Certain types of materials are supposed to be handled differently from ordinary trash, and if those materials aren’t disposed of correctly, it can put sanitation workers at risk of being exposed to dangerous substances. This can include various types of chemicals, hypodermic needles, other biohazards, and heavy metals. Or, in some cases, workers could be injured by materials that are dangerous because of sharp edges, such as broken glass or pieces of metal.

Airborne Hazards

In addition to the hazardous materials sanitation workers can encounter through direct physical contact, airborne materials are another serious health risk. Respiratory illnesses are a very common type of illness that can occur while working in waste management, which can be caused by inhaling airborne particles from dust, chemicals, mold, and bacteria. For workers who spend a lot of time working on or near trucks, exhaust fumes can also be a risk factor for respiratory illnesses. 

Heavy Machinery

The waste management industry relies on a lot of machinery to get things done, whether it’s collection trucks or equipment like conveyor belts and compactors. But as important as that equipment is to the industry, it can come with a lot of significant safety risks for workers if it’s not maintained properly, if safeguarding steps aren’t followed, or if people aren’t properly trained on how to use that machinery correctly. 

Repetitive Motions

For many people in the industry, their jobs involve having to make a lot of repetitive motions during the day, such as sorting materials in a recycling center. Over time, these motions can begin to take a toll on a person’s body and result in ergonomic injuries. 

Contact a Michigan Workplace Injury Lawyer

Some jobs inherently involve more safety risks than others. But even if a job is typically seen as being dangerous, employers still have an obligation to take reasonable steps to make sure their employees are not facing unnecessary safety risks. If you’ve been injured on the job, don’t hesitate to contact a workplace injury lawyer as soon as possible for help. At Scott Goodwin Law, you’ll be able to get help from a lawyer who can answer your questions and make sure your claim for workers compensation benefits is handled correctly. Contact us today and find out how we can help you.

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