Department of Public Works Solid Waste Safety Practices - April 2014
Department of Public Works Solid Waste Safety Practices
Released April 2014
Download the Full Report here
Download the Highlights Page here
We undertook this audit because our analysis of workers’ compensation data suggested that targeted efforts to improve training, supervision, and use of protective equipment could reduce the number and cost of injury claims. The Department of Public Works had the highest number of claims per 100 full-time employees in the city.
Released April 2014
Download the Full Report here
Download the Highlights Page here
We undertook this audit because our analysis of workers’ compensation data suggested that targeted efforts to improve training, supervision, and use of protective equipment could reduce the number and cost of injury claims. The Department of Public Works had the highest number of claims per 100 full-time employees in the city.
What we found:
- The number of injuries among solid waste collectors and drivers is much higher than the national average for local governments.
- Public works employees accounted for 22% of the overall claims filed by city employees from fiscal year 2010 through March 2013, and solid waste employees accounted for 83% of public works’ total claims.
- One or more employees tested positive for alcohol or drugs in each year on a random drug and alcohol testing during 2012 and 2013.
- Employees told us that management emphasizes completing garbage routes and makes safety a lower priority.
- We observed collection crews using unsafe collection techniques while on routes. Some of these activities can be seen on the videos below.
- Risk of injury could also be increased because city residents may use non-city-issued cans, which requires more lifting and limits the efficiency gained by using semi-automated pick-up methods.
- Solid waste has no written policy that describes consequences for employees who violate safety procedures and has no written policy for safety training requirements.
- Some employees have not had safety training in over a year.
- Although solid waste officials told us that they have disciplined employees for violating safety procedures, management was unable to provide records of any corrective action taken.
Videos:
Note: Figures 5, 9, 12, 14, and 16 are not included here because they are only pictures.
Note: Figures 5, 9, 12, 14, and 16 are not included here because they are only pictures.
|
Figure 1 Worker Jumping Off Moving Truck
Figure 3 Worker Riding with One Leg Off Platform
Figure 6 Employee Smoking on Truck
Figure 8 Employee Wearing Garbage Bag over Reflective Gear
Figure 11 Employees Rolling Herbie Curbies Across Traffic
Figure 15 Employee Throwing Load Above Head Figure 18 Employee Lifting Non-City Container Above Head
|
Figure 2 Worker Riding Backwards and Not Using Handrails
Figure 4 Employee Using Cell Phone While on Route
Figure 7 Employee Out of Uniform and Throwing Recycling Bin
Figure 10 Employee Walking in Front of Traffic
Figure 13 Employee Twisting to Sling Tabletop into Truck
Figure 17 Employee Bending at Back and Reaching into Herbie to Remove Garbage Bag
|