Safety
At Wheelabrator Falls, safety is the core of our daily operations. Our safety program is the adhesive that binds our operating principles together and is an essential ingredient necessary for achieving our goal of operational excellence. We believe every incident is preventable, and we will provide the tools, training and time to perform every task safely. Nothing we do is placed at a higher level of importance than our responsibility to protect the welfare of every worker.
All employees of Wheelabrator Falls are the plant’s most valuable resource. We encourage the active involvement of every employee in promoting a positive safety culture.
One of our most important priorities is to not only have all our facilities certified by Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) as Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) sites, but to also maintain Star Worksite Status. A culture of safety and health are the foundation of the VPP process and all employees are involved throughout the entire certification process. Wheelabrator Falls first achieved VPP Star Worksite Status in 2004 and was recertified in 2007.
Additionally, in partnership with OSHA and the Energy Recovery Council (ERC), formerly Integrated Waste Services (IWSA), Wheelabrator Falls and other companies in the waste-to-energy industry have formed an alliance to promote and improve safety for all waste haulers working at waste-to-energy facilities. Each year Wheelabrator Falls hosts “Safety – Do it for Life” Haulers Safety Hot Dog Day to kick off Haulers Safety Month in June. At the event, haulers learn more about tipping floor safety rules, road safety rules and zero accident policies.
“It is important to communicate our safety expectations to ensure all of our employees, visitors, contractors and valued waste haulers understand the importance of working safely each and every day,” said Fred Lodini, plant manager, Wheelabrator Falls. “Our goal at Wheelabrator Falls is to operate with zero incidents. By working together and making the right safety choices, we can make 2009 a year unparalleled in our history of safety performance.”
