The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) has added two new categories to the 2023 SWANA Safety Awards: the Best Safety Training Program Award and the Workplace Wellness Award. These will join the Best Safety Innovation and Biggest Safety Improvement awards that have been presented since 2019. SWANA will be accepting applications for the awards until May 26.
"We are very excited to expand our awards program and recognize more industry-leading safety initiatives," says David Biderman, SWANA executive director and CEO. "Training is a core element to a successful safety program, and increased focus on wellness is needed."
SWANA's Best Safety Training Program Award was created to recognize companies and agencies that have implemented safety training resulting in continuous improvement and that have employee buy-in. While many organizations have some type of training in place, an award-winning program will be dynamic and responsive to hazards, engages workers at all levels, and has objective results.
Recognizing that a safe and healthy workplace goes beyond just hazard identification and mitigation, the Workplace Wellness Award is meant to highlight companies and agencies that go above and beyond to reduce health risks and improve the quality of life of workers. Winners of this award will demonstrate effective health and wellness programs that respond to and anticipate employee needs. This can include activities like stress reduction programs, mental health resources, weight loss programs, and more.
The SWANA Safety Committee will review applications and winners will be announced on June 29. The awards presentation will occur in September at WASTECON 2023
