SWANA Statement on the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2023 National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries
December 19, 2024 — Silver Spring, MD
The United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its 2023 National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. The results showed that “refuse and recyclable materials collectors” had a major increase
in the fatality rate compared to previous years. The 2023 fatality rate was 41.4 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers (FTE), an increase from the 2022 rate of 22.6 per 100,000 FTE. There was a total of 41 fatalities in this occupation in 2023.
“We are very disappointed to see the rise in fatalities in 2023,” stated SWANA executive director & CEO Amy Lestition Burke, MA, FASAE, CAE. “This data reinforces the need for safety improvements. The individuals who collect
waste and recycling are making communities livable and sustainable. We all have a role to play to protect these everyday heroes.”
The BLS data shows that the occupation of refuse and recyclable materials collectors was ranked as the 4th deadliest job in 2023, a disappointing change from its status as 7th on the list in 2021 and 2022. Transportation incidents continue to
be the primary cause of fatalities, across all occupations, as well as for refuse and recyclable materials collectors.
“I encourage anyone in the industry to take this time and refocus their energies in keeping themselves and others safe,” shared Kristyn Oldendorf, SWANA senior director of advocacy and communications. “Taking the SWANA safety
pledge is a great way to start your safety resolution. We also encourage everyone who drives or rides in a vehicle to be aware of collection workers and be sure to slow down and exercise caution when approaching a collections truck. Our industry
makes indispensable contributions to our society and our economy. The best way to honor these contributions is by respecting the need for safety.”
SWANA provides safety training, outreach, and resources, which include: the SWANA Safety Pledge, SWANA’s weekly “Safety First” newsletter, the “Five to Stay Alive” guidelines, the Safety Ambassadors program, safety training, and safety programming at conferences
and events. These are resources for public and private solid waste operations of all sizes throughout the United States and Canada.
“The individuals in our industry are so proud of what they do, and we are proud of them. We owe it to them to advocate for safety improvements. This news sheds light on the critical need for improved infrastructure, including support
for automated collections, safety features on vehicles, and other technology that can make a difference in protecting lives,” continued Lestition Burke.
For more information about SWANA’s safety initiatives and getting involved, please visit https://swana.org/initiatives/safety.
