The United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has

formed an alliance with the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries to address machinery,

chemical, and other hazards in the scrap recycling industry. This partnership is expected to

promote the safety and health of workers in the scrap and recycling industry. In addition, the

partnership aims to promote understanding of worker rights and employer responsibilities. The

focus of the partnership is on workplace hazards associated with powered industrial trucks and

other machinery, chemical exposures, hazardous energy sources, and the handling and storage of

materials.

“These hazards can result in serious injuries and death for workers in the scrap recycling

industry,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David

Michaels. “We are pleased to partner with ISRI in developing effective tools to control or

eliminate safety and health hazards in this industry.”

“ISRI’s alliance with OSHA underscores the recycling industry’s commitment to worker safety,”

said Doug Kramer, chair of ISRI. “Now with the support of OSHA behind us, ISRI will be able

to provide even greater resources for our members to ensure their workers return home to their

families every night.”

This partnership will mean a new emphasis will be placed on worker safety in the scrap recycling

industry. So if you own a business in this industry, it is imperative that your occupational safety

and health policies and procedures are compliant. If you have any concerns about any part of

your occupational safety and health policies and procedures, please reach out to a qualified third

party occupational safety and health auditing firm.

If you have any questions about how this partnership could impact your business or if you need

help in ensuring your policies and procedures are compliant, please contact us. If you have

anything to add about this alliance, please leave a comment.