The Big Picture

PCR Credit: OSHA-Compliant Material Recovery & Organics Processing Facilities

(1-3 Points, Reciprocal)

Credit Summary

This credit aims to promote safe and efficient operation of material recovery and organics processing facilities. It also requires the prevention or identification and correction of OSHA-related operational violations and/or recommendations in all OSHA covered facilities under the control of the Local Government or Company.

Impact Summary

Submittal Summary

Physical proof that these expectations have been met must be provided. Documentation indicating which tier they fall under also must be provided to fulfill the requirement. 

Case Study and Benefits

Intent and Requirements

Intent

Promote safe and efficient operation of material recovery and organics processing facilities.

Local Government and Industry Requirements

Prevent or identify and correct OSHA-related operational violations and/or recommendations in all OSHA covered facilities under the control of the Local Government or Company.

Tier 1: (1 point)

Demonstrate a current OSHA-compliant safety plan that has been updated within the past 2 years.

Conduct an OSHA (or equivalent)-Level audit by a qualified auditor following the official forms, which must be completely filled out.

Qualified auditors include:

• Federal or State OSHA inspector;
• Insurance inspector (must have current CSP or CIH certification);
• Union CIH or equivalent safety official

And

• Full remediation of all OSHA (or equivalent) incidents reported.

Tier 2: (+1 point)

Fulfill Tier 1 requirements and implement an annual safety audit program utilizing a qualified safety inspector.

Tier 3: (+1 point)

Fulfill Tier 1 requirements and implement a quarterly safety audit program utilizing a qualified safety inspector

Potential Strategies

List all OSHA violations and state of resolution for the last 5 years.

Why We Care

Commiting to safe working includes tracking injuries, complying with safety standards, implementing safety training, and communicating effectively with workers. 

Establishing safety protocols and adequate compensation benefits not only the workers, but the entity itself through reduced litigation costs, positive sentiment around waste practices and research, and effective waste management practices. 

Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) solution companies such as Airsweb are utilizing software solutions to help managers with risk management, incident reporting, and filing data sheets.

In committing to sustainable materials management, it’s essential to keep people at the forefront of waste reduction research and practices. By providing the essentials of health care, a living wage, and safety, the best outcomes for local governments and businesses, the environment, and the workers can be achieved. In addition, implementing worker safety protocols will help reduce any legal actions that could compromise waste management practices and research, and will aid in building positive sentiment around such waste practices and research. 

Following OSHA’s recommendations can drastically reduce workplace injuries and fatalities. Adhering to OSHA guidelines reduces worker injuries and illnesses from 10.9 incidents per 100 workers in 1972 to 2.8 per 100 in 2019. Therefore, better and safer waste management practices and research can be performed. (https://www.osha.gov/data/commonstats)

How to Meet the Requirements

To meet this requirement, Local governments and Industry Leaders must prevent or identify and correct OSHA-related operational violations and/or recommendations in all OSHA covered facilities under the control of the Local Government or Company. Documentation indicating which tier they fall under must be provided to fully fulfill the requirement. 

Required Documentation

Case Studies & In-Depth Information

Referenced Standards

Definitions

CIH Certification

ABIH Definition: A Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) is an individual who has met the minimum requirements for education and experience, and through examination, has demonstrated a minimum level of knowledge and skills in the following rubric (subject matter) areas:

• Air Sampling & Instrumentation
• Analytical Chemistry
• Basic Science
• Biohazards
• Biostatistics & Epidemiology
• Community Exposure
• Engineering Controls/Ventilation
• Ergonomics
• Health Risk Analysis & Hazard Communication
• IH Program Management
• Noise
• Non-Engineering Controls
• Radiation – Ionizing and Non-ionizing
• Thermal Stressors
• Toxicology
• Work Environments & Industrial Processes

CSP Certification

BCSP Definition: Certified Safety Professionals (CSP) are persons who perform at least 50% of professional level safety duties, including making worksite assessments to determine risks, assessing potential hazards and controls, evaluating risks and hazard control measures, investigating incidents, maintaining and evaluating incident and loss records, and preparing emergency response plans.

OSHA

OSHA Definition: With the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.