Careers – Overview
Safety
At Waste Management, safety is a core value, a cornerstone of operational excellence. It is a philosophy that is embedded in the way we work, the decisions we make, and the actions we take.
With almost 22,000 trucks on the road every day, we recognize the responsibility to hold ourselves to the highest standards to protect our customers, our employees and our communities. Waste Management’s goal is to attain world-class safety and, more importantly, to be the safest company in our industry.
Our safety vision statement:
Safety is equal to all other key components of successful performance. Each employee is responsible for safe behavior. Each employee is personally accountable for:
- Promoting a safe environment
- Maintaining a zero tolerance for unsafe actions and conditions
- Directly participating in all aspects of safety programs
Mission to Zero (M2Z)
The cornerstone of M2Z is a comprehensive training program that provides classroom and on-the-job-site instruction in safety fundamentals for supervisors, drivers and helpers. We make extensive use of route observations to confirm that drivers are following all applicable laws and procedures. Through observation, managers can evaluate the work practices used by drivers and helpers. Observations increase safety awareness and hold everyone accountable for safe behavior.
Since the launch of the M2Z initiative, Waste Management has made dramatic improvements in key areas, including those monitored by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Our Total Recordable Injury Rate (TRIR) – that is, the number of injuries per 100 employees -- has decreased by more than 80 percent in the past eight years. Additionally, our rate of vehicle accidents has been reduced by greater than 70 percent over the same time period, making Waste Management the leader in safety among all waste industry companies.
Voluntary Protection Program
Waste Management’s commitment to safety can also be found in locations that have been awarded OSHA’s highest honor – Voluntary Protection Program Star Certification. Coast Waste in Carlsbad, Calif., became our first hauling district to achieve VPP Star Certification. All of our 21 Wheelabrator Technology sites are VPP Star Certified, truly exemplifying our Mission to Zero.
In fact, Waste Management’s safety program has been recognized for its excellence by OSHA, and the agency recently invited the company to apply for its new “Corporate Pilot” Voluntary Protection Program.
The Corporate Pilot VPP is designed to test new processes for corporate applicants who have demonstrated a strong commitment to employee safety and health.
Employee Training
After drivers and helpers new employees have been approved for hire, they must be properly trained to operate safely. New drivers and helpers must be properly trained to operate safely after being approved for hire. Waste Management’s two-phase safety training program includes classroom and on-the-job training.
Phase one provides training that shows workers how to safely perform day-to-day tasks while working their route. These courses standardize the company’s safety practices, and they illustrate exemplary everyday operations, such as how to safely operate trucks, compactors, and other equipment.
Phase two offers classroom as well as on-the-job-on-site training for drivers and helpers. They learn how to safely operate their vehicles, mount and dismount equipment, and move and lift containers.
Key training tools used in the classroom and in the field include:
- Safety Rules Book
The rule book covers a day in the life of an employee, outlining general safety standards and procedures for frontline employees. All employees are expected to pass a written exam on the rule book.
- Observational Behavior Assessment
This route-observation program uses a standard form to assess drivers and their performances. Experienced drivers with sharp skills and a good safety record are observed quarterly. New and less-skilled drivers are observed at least once per month.
- Safe Driving Practices Training
This four-part interactive video series teaches vehicle-operating concepts including human factors, brakes and braking dynamics, backing up and intersections.
- Driving Science Series
Highly regarded by employees and supervisors, this monthly training program that uses engaging and entertaining videos and written materials -- educates drivers on the science of refuse truck operation. Created by Waste Management, it focuses on specific equipment performance and limitations.
- Safety Awareness Training
General safety training topics developed by Waste Management, which provide the employees safety training on various OSHA, Department of Transportation and Waste Management-specific information related to safety and health. This training is conducted during weekly and bi-weekly safety meetings across the company.
