When it comes to high-risk industries, waste collection usually doesn’t come to mind. However, a closer look reveals significant dangers, making waste industry safety a critical concern for communities and companies.
Garbage trucks are massive and difficult to maneuver even for the most experienced drivers. Their limited visibility means that any small errors can cause serious damage; whether it is surrounding property, or worse, an unsuspecting pedestrian.
A Look at Vehicle Safety Gaps
Each year, there are more than 105,000 commercial vehicle accidents, including garbage trucks, that are reported. On average, 4,965 resulted in fatalities, most incidents involving occupants of the other vehicle. These statistics underscore the urgent need for improved garbage truck safety. (Source: Truck Accident Statistics – Findings for Semi-Trucks & Commercial Vehicles | Wilshire Law Firm)
Many of these accidents happen in residential neighborhoods, where pedestrians and bicyclists are more likely to be present. Additionally, narrow streets and the vehicle’s large blind spots make it almost impossible for drivers to spot hazards in time.
Refuse collection trucks are even more dangerous than the average truck due to their frequent stop-and-go movement and heavy loads.
Despite significant technological advancements over the past two decades, many industrial vehicles like garbage trucks still lack basic safety features that are now standard in consumer vehicles, such as backup cameras, lane assist, and blind-spot monitoring. These tools, often part of a comprehensive vehicle safety solution, play a critical role in reducing human error and improving driver awareness.
Real Tragedies to Consider
There have been plenty of real-life incidents that show just how dangerous garbage trucks can be for both workers and people nearby alike.
• A garbage truck struck and killed a senior citizen tourist in Amsterdam on a Monday afternoon.
This tragic incident highlights the dangers of operating large vehicles in densely populated urban areas, where limited space and heavy foot traffic can increase the risk of fatal accidents.
• In June 2025, a young boy was severely injured by a garbage truck while it was pulling over to collect curbside waste.
The driver had no way of noticing the incoming child, and it was too late for the driver to realize what he had done.
Current Efforts to Reduce Injuries in the Waste Industry
Government agencies like NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) have made efforts to reduce these cases, recognizing the importance of waste industry safety.
• They’ve published safety protocols such as how workers should properly ride and work near large vehicles.
• Encouraged proper clothing like brightly colored safety vests to allow operators to see their colleagues more clearly in darker environments.
While these steps are helpful, there is still more to directly address the bigger issue of the vehicle itself. This is where a modern AI safety solution can make a significant impact.
The Introduction of AI to Improve Waste Industry Safety
The rapid advancement of AI in recent years has led to innovations that help society live safer, more efficient lives. The waste industry is no exception. The integration of VIA Tech Mobile360 Safety Solution into refuse collection vehicles is transforming garbage truck safety practices in the waste industry.
• Eliminates Blind Spots
The safety solution provides a 360-degree view around the vehicle, enabling garbage truck drivers to detect and avoid potential hazards with greater accuracy.
• Incoming Detection System
Using advanced AI technology, the system highlights obstacles such as pedestrians or objects in bright blue and rectangular prisms. It allows drivers to precisely identify and avoid them.
• Advanced Warning System
Provides audible alerts when pedestrians or other vehicles are nearby, providing real-time awareness. This kind of feature is essential for any modern vehicle safety solution.
• Mailbox Detection
One of the most common types of property damage caused by garbage trucks is mailboxes. Our mailbox detection system helps ensure operators are aware of and avoid even small, inanimate objects.
• Flexible Installation
Its customizable configuration allows the system to be compatible with any vehicle model.
Any footage that is captured by the AI safety system is automatically recorded and uploaded to the cloud. This allows drivers and fleet managers to review past events, learn from near misses or mistakes, and make informed decisions to improve safety protocols.
Taking Safety Standards to the Next Level
Altogether, advanced safety measures protect both employees and the public. It prevents unnecessary loss or harm and improves waste industry safety standards. With vehicle safety solutions such as VIA Tech Mobile360 Safety Solution, there’s no excuse not to implement them.
Book a consultation appointment now to discuss how VIA Tech Mobile360 Safety Solution could become a part of your organization’s commitment to garbage truck safety solutions.
