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Two big safety awards for the SCSWA

At the South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) Transfer Station, the same sign hangs in the breakroom, in the observation deck, and in the restroom: “Work safely today, remember someone expects you home tonight.” Those are not just signs; it’s a culture of safety that’s been created at the agency.

In the SCSWA front office, the new 2018 award from the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) is displayed. It’s for the Biggest Safety Improvement - Collection and Transfer.

When we see our trash picked up from the curb, we witness part of an efficient system at work. But more than just efficiency, those in solid waste must work safely every day - it’s the 5th most dangerous profession in the United States.

The SCSWA is committed to keeping employees and customers safe. In 2014, Steve Mauer, SCSWA Regulatory Compliance specialist, came on board to help the organization implement a better system for safety, starting with a site audit and inspection.

He started “tailgate meetings” every other week, many times from the back of pickup truck. “It’s important that we continually review the basics to keep ourselves safe,” said Mauer. “We hear the messages, but sometimes we don’t follow what we know.” The meetings were filled with basic reminders about personal protective equipment; slip, trip, and falls; hazard materials; proper lifting, and asbestos.

Just two years later, the SCSWA was awarded the 2016 Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). It was the first time a municipality in New Mexico was awarded the SHARP award, which involved five onsite OSHA inspections. Through hard work and changing the mindset of workers, the SCSWA reduced its accidents, incidents and workman’s compensation claims by 80 percent.

Over time, Mauer’s tailgate meetings morphed into the Safety Monday program encouraged by SWANA; the new 2018 SWANA award recognizes the ongoing success of the safety improvements implemented at the SCSWA.

Not only does the safety program protect employees, but also customers who come to dispose of their own solid waste trash at the Amador Avenue Transfer Station. “We get more than 300 vehicles here every day,” said Mauer. “It’s part of our job not only to manage their trash, but also to help our customers safely navigate disposing of their solid waste.” One example: Every 3 months, the SCSWA refreshes the bright yellow paint stripes on the concrete floor and on the ballisters that guide residential customers through the Tranfer Station. The goal – always – is keeping everyone safe.

Green Connections is submitted by the South Central Solid Waste Authority (SCSWA) managing solid waste and recyclables for residents and businesses throughout Doña Ana County. Contact the SCSWA at (575) 528-3800 or visit www.SCSWA.net.