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Council presses DPW on frontline safety after ride-along; director describes heat-safety plan and PPE distribution
Summary
Council members raised repeated concerns about sanitation worker injuries and deaths, inconsistent PPE use observed during a ride-along, and supervisory accountability. DPW described newly developed heat-safety protocols, daily wellness checks and equipment upgrades but acknowledged ongoing implementation challenges.
Council President Cohen pressed DPW leadership on employee injuries and safety practices, citing multiple reports and a string of serious injuries and deaths among solid waste workers over recent years.
"I remain deeply concerned about the health and safety of our frontline employees," Council President Cohen said, urging DPW to describe improvements. In response, Director Zaid said safety has become the department’s top priority and described a suite of measures: a new agency-wide heat and health plan that has been adapted division- and task‑specifically; expanded safety training; equipment upgrades; and daily wellness checks and incident protocols tied to 911 for serious events.
Council members said they observed field crews without goggles and other PPE during an escorted ride-along. Council President Cohen and Councilman Glover both pressed DPW leaders about why personal protective equipment (goggles, gloves, cooling cloths) was available but not always worn. DPW staff acknowledged supply availability but said consistent use is still being enforced at the supervisory level. At the hearing, a DPW supervisor said crews have uniforms, boots, goggles, gloves, rain gear, water and electrolyte supplies and that supervisors are conducting regular checks.
On heat safety specifically, Director Zaid described a trigger-based plan tied to heat-index thresholds: when the heat index reaches 90 degrees, supervisors will ensure crews take 10‑minute breaks every two hours; if the heat index reaches 100 degrees, the plan requires 15‑minute breaks every hour and additional acclimatization protocols for new or returning workers. DPW said the plan has already been trialed and that supervisors will be held accountable for compliance.
Council members responded that enforcement and supervisory accountability are critical, and said they will continue ride-alongs and follow-up. DPW agreed to investigate the specific ride‑along incident where workers were not wearing goggles and to reinforce supervisory training and enforcement.
Ending: DPW officials acknowledged progress and remaining gaps; council members signaled they will continue oversight and on-site checks to ensure implementation.
