Schedule of Events

Safety First Webinar Series

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Zero Harm: Building a SIF Prevention Program for Waste and Recycling Operations
Serious injuries and fatalities (SIF) in waste and recycling operations are preventable, but only with a systematic approach to identifying and controlling your highest-risk exposures. This webinar introduces the fundamentals of SIF prevention tailored specifically to our industry's unique hazards. Learn how to identify your critical risk areas, distinguish between high-frequency/low-severity incidents and low-frequency/high-severity exposures and implement controls that actually work. We'll examine real-world SIF events from waste operations, discuss precursor indicators that signal elevated risk and provide practical frameworks for building or strengthening your SIF prevention program. Whether you're starting from scratch or enhancing existing safety efforts, you'll leave with actionable strategies to protect your most valuable asset—your people.
Enjoli DeGrasse
Moderator Enjoli DeGrasse Director of Safety, National Waste & Recycling Association View Bio
Perry Logan
Speaker Perry Logan Networks Senior Director, National Safety Council View Bio
Jeff Martin
Speaker Jeff Martin Vice President of Safety, Casella Waste Systems View Bio
Romeo Vellutini
Speaker Romeo Vellutini Vice President of Safety and Risk Management, Waste Pro View Bio

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Struck-By Prevention: Managing Vehicle-Pedestrian Interactions in Waste and Recycling Facilities
Vehicle-pedestrian incidents represent one of the leading causes of fatalities in waste and recycling operations. With heavy equipment, commercial trucks and workers often occupying the same space, the potential for catastrophic struck-by incidents is ever-present. This webinar provides comprehensive strategies for separating people from moving vehicles and managing interactions where separation is unavoidable, such as on landfill working faces, tipping floors, scale houses and yard operations. We'll cover site design considerations, traffic control plans, technology solutions (i.e., proximity detection, cameras and alarms), administrative controls and the critical human factors that contribute to these incidents. Learn from incident investigations, explore best practices from high-performing facilities and discover how to conduct effective risk assessments for your specific operational environment.
Kirk Sander
Moderator / Speaker Kirk Sander Chief of Safety and Standards, National Waste & Recycling Association View Bio
Jim Olson
Speaker Jim Olson President, JHOlson & Associates View Bio
Bryan Fenster
Speaker Bryan Fenster Product Manager – Connected Fleets, McNeilus Truck & Manufacturing View Bio
Sal Mastriani
Speaker Sal Mastriani Vice President of Risk Management, Waste Services (IWS) View Bio

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Thermal Runaway: Managing Lithium-Ion Battery Risks in Waste and Recycling Operations
Lithium-ion batteries have become the fastest-growing fire hazard in the waste and recycling industry, causing millions in property damage and putting workers at serious risk. From e-waste in residential collection to batteries hidden in trash compactors and sorting lines, these devices can ignite with little warning and burn at extreme temperatures. This webinar equips you with the knowledge to prevent, detect and respond to lithium-ion battery fires. We'll cover battery chemistry basics , recognition and sorting strategies, facility design considerations, suppression system options, emergency response protocols and employee training requirements. Learn from recent industry incidents, understand what works and what doesn't in fire suppression and develop a comprehensive battery safety plan for your operations—from collection routes to processing facilities.
Susan Eppes
Speaker Susan Eppes Corporate Safety Manager, Waste Connections View Bio
Mallory Szczepanski
Moderator Mallory Szczepanski Event and Content Producer, Recycling Today Media Group View Bio

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Regulatory Roadmap I: Navigating OSHA Requirements in Waste Management
The waste and recycling industry sits at the intersection of numerous Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Department of Transportation regulations, and compliance gaps can result in significant citations, fines and increased incident risk. This year-end webinar provides a comprehensive review of the most critical—and most frequently cited—regulatory requirements affecting waste and recycling operations. We'll cover OSHA standards including powered industrial trucks, lockout/tagout, confined spaces, personal protective equipment, hazard communication and recordkeeping. Learn what triggers inspections, how to prepare for them, common citation patterns in our industry and practical compliance strategies that integrate seamlessly with daily operations. We'll also preview any upcoming regulatory changes that may impact your 2026 planning.