Waste Handler Groups Voice Concern Over BLS Job Death Stats
- Two of the largest waste handling lobby groups said the data cited in the 2023 National Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries issued last month “are deeply concerning and underscore the need for more accurate and reliable data to guide our safety efforts.”
- The National Waste & Recycling Association and the Solid Waste Association of North America issued a joint statement addressing the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics report, raising concern over the margin of error in the fatal injury rate, which is used to determine the list of occupations with the highest fatality rates.
- The BLS report highlighted a significant increase in the fatality rate among refuse and recyclable materials collectors. The 2023 fatality rate of 41.4 per 100,000 full-time equivalent workers (FTE) represents an increase from the 2022 rate of 22.6 per 100,000 FTE.
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Initiative Looks at Robot Safety
- Figure AI has announced the creation of the Centre for the Advancement of Humanoid Safety, a new initiative aimed at ensuring humanoid robots can operate safely in workplaces.
- Led by former Amazon Robotics safety engineer Rob Gruendel, the center will focus on testing AI-controlled robots for stability, human detection, and navigation to minimize accidents.
- Figure AI plans to release regular safety reports detailing its progress, testing methods, and solutions for potential hazards.
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Texas Mutual Sees 13% Fewer Serious Injury Claims
- Texas Mutual said this week that overall serious injury claims decreased by over 13% in 2024 compared to the previous year.
- The most significant was a 29% decline in transportation industry claims, 24% fewer mining claims, a 20% decline in construction.
- Three specific construction industries had the largest decrease in serious injuries: All other specialty trade contractors (-36%); Electrical contractors (-46%); and, Power and communication line and related structures construction (-71%).
- More claims were reported in the hospitality industry, up 41%, and in heavy manufacturing, up 14%.
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