How to prevent garbage truck accidents: essential safety practices for sanitation drivers

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, waste collection is the seventh-deadliest occupation as of 2021. In that year, 75% of waste collectors experienced a form of work-related injury, illness or fatality.

There are many dangerous aspects of being a sanitation worker. From potential garbage truck accidents to the materials they pick up, safety is a necessity. However, sanitation drivers spend their entire shift on the road with very little supervision, making it difficult for fleet managers to know if they are performing safely.

This is why it is crucial for waste fleet managers to not only have a safety policy in place for their drivers but also regularly discuss and reinforce safety. Read on to learn more about the essential safety tasks your drivers should do daily.

Understanding urban and residential hazards for sanitation drivers

All fleet managers and waste collection company owners must remember that a sanitation driver’s “office” is constantly changing. Whether they are in the city or a rural area, each neighborhood they go to is different.

Waste collectors must consider various factors to ensure they get through the day safely. This is why managers should consistently iterate safety to their drivers. 

Common dangers that sanitation workers face include:

• Hazardous materials: While most trash is harmless, some waste can be dangerous, such as broken glass that can cut through the bag and injure collectors.
• Poor road conditions: With different types of neighborhoods, a waste collector may go from a paved road to a gravel one and have to adjust to prevent a trash truck accident. Not to mention when the roads are slippery due to ice or precipitation.
• Other drivers: Other drivers pose a significant risk to waste collectors for many reasons, such as hitting collectors or the truck or causing garbage truck accidents by trying to go around the vehicle. This can be a real challenge in densely populated areas. 
• Bad weather: Trash collection happens in the rain or shine, and drivers must drive through some tough weather conditions that can be dangerous. 
• Falls: Getting in and out of the vehicle can lead to falls, especially if the truck and roads are slippery.
• Debris falling: If all of the waste is not properly encased in the vehicle or the trash container, there is a chance debris can fall onto collectors. 
• Rollover: A garbage truck’s center of gravity can change depending on its load, so drivers often face the risk of a rollover if they do not take turns carefully. 
• Poor visibility: Whether it is due to lighting or blind spots, garbage truck drivers must often work with limited visibility. This is most often the reason sanitation trucks hit pedestrians or other cars. 
• Equipment/vehicle failure: Garbage trucks are complex machines with numerous components. Whether it is the vehicle or the collection arm, many waste industry workers are harmed trying to solve these mechanical problems. Of course, if any of these issues occur en route, it is more likely an accident will occur. 
• Injuries due to improper loading: Garbage is heavy, and if collectors do not lift and load properly, they can cause permanent injuries. 
• Incidents caused by maneuvering in tight spaces: This can happen more often in cities, but sanitation drivers maneuvering through tight spaces can pose a number of risks. 

Best practices for safety

How can fleet managers and individual drivers mitigate all the problems listed above? Well, developing good habits is the first step. The following suggestions should be steps drivers take every day:

• Wear the right clothing: Clothing plays a crucial role in safety for garbage collectors. They should wear high-visibility apparel such as bright colors or vests with reflective material. This will make it easier for other drivers to see them and prevent getting hit. Wearing thick gloves protect collectors from sharp objects that may poke out from the garbage bags. Other safety clothing can include steel-toe boots and safety glasses. 
• Use a spotter: When backing up, waste collectors can designate a “spotter.” This is someone who exits the truck, stands far away, and directs the vehicle. Using a spotter for backing up long distances reduces the chance of a sanitation truck accident. For shorter distances, drivers should use their mirrors and cameras (if installed) to ensure they are clear.
• Lifting properly: Using the right lifting technique prevents a lot of injuries. Drivers should always bend at their knees, not their backs, and use tools like dollies to transport heavy loads. 
• Use defensive driving: While sanitation drivers cannot control how other drivers act, they can protect themselves through defensive driving. This means keeping a safe distance from other drivers, using turn signals and always maintaining the speed limit. 
• Be aware of their surroundings: Garbage collectors work around traffic, so they should always use their situational awareness skills. They should check for other cars or pedestrians when walking around their vehicle. 

As for fleet managers, they should:

• Always maintain vehicles: Drivers can only do so much with their limited knowledge and tools. It is up to the waste management company to keep vehicles in peak condition. Managers should also regularly inspect trucks. If a vehicle is not safe, it needs to be pulled from rotation and repaired before it goes on the road again.
• Continuously host safety meetings: Regularly meet with your drivers and discuss the current safety procedures. This ensures drivers are up to date on the procedures and understand company expectations. Always include extra time to see if drivers have any suggestions for improved safety. 
• Create an emergency response plan: Every driver should know what to do in case of an emergency. A response plan will ensure they know what to do and who to call, whether at the company building or on the road.
• Offer extensive training for your drivers: You need to ensure that all drivers, even highly experienced ones, have consistent training to hone their skills. You can do this by investing in a driving simulator.

How simulation technology enhances safety training

Driver Training Solutions can ensure your drivers receive behind-the-wheel training in a safe environment. A simulator allows drivers to practice repeatedly until they successfully complete a scenario. This helps build up muscle memory and self-confidence in each driver.

Drivers can even practice emergency maneuvers in a controlled environment. This is crucial because you do not want the first time they try these maneuvers to be when an emergency occurs.

A driving simulator offers a physical feel of being in a waste collection vehicle without being on the road. Our simulators also come with a library of scenarios and training courses you can use for all drivers. Additionally, you can create custom scenarios with our simulators to challenge more experienced drivers or mimic unique situations your drivers face. 

Keep your drivers safe with driver training solutions

Safety is essential in the waste management industry. Consistent safety procedures and training are the most direct way to ensure your drivers’ safety. Provide standardized safety training across all your fleets and prepare them for any situation with a Driver Training Solutions driving simulator.