The National Safety Council has drafted a letter to leadership at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency requesting that, after prioritizing the healthcare sector, that COVID-19 testing resources are directed towards U.S. employers that are engaged in essential business services. This would include the solid waste industry, as it has been deemed essential in state and territorial orders and in guidance from the Department of Homeland Security. As a member of the NSC, SWANA has been asked to sign on in support of this letter and this Alert serves as notice of SWANA’s intent to do so. With new cases in the solid waste industry being reported on a daily basis, this is an important way for us to support protecting workers, their families, and the public.

 

A copy of the letter is available here.

 

The letter is available for other organizations to sign onto as well. Commitments must be made by Monday, April 13. Unless there is significant opposition, SWANA intends to add its name to the letter. If you have questions about the letter or your organization is interested in signing on in addition to SWANA, please contact Jesse Maxwell, SWANA Advocacy & Safety Senior Manager at (240) 494-2237 or jmaxwell@swana.org.

 

The National Safety Council is a nonprofit organization with the mission of eliminating preventable deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy. NSC advances this mission by engaging businesses, government agencies, elected officials and the public to help prevent the third leading cause of death in the U.S. – preventable injuries.