Introduction

Through funding provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration as part of the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program, the Recycled Materials Association has developed a series of training videos to support safety education in the recycled materials industry. 

The association received the grant to expand fire safety education and hazard recognition training for recyclers and materials recovery facilities (MRFs). This funding was part of a broader national initiative in which OSHA awarded grants to nonprofit organizations to help educate workers and employers about hazard prevention, workplace rights, and employer responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. 

Fire risk remains a significant concern within recycling operations. To address this challenge, the training resources focus on helping operations identify potential fire hazards, understand how fires can start, and implement prevention strategies. The training builds on existing industry safety research and previous guidance, including the ReMA Guide to Creating a Fire Prevention and Management Plan, and supports the development of safer workplace practices. 

The program also supports workers who may be harder to reach through traditional training methods, including temporary employees and limited-English-proficiency workers. Materials are designed to be accessible and practical for real-world operations and are available in both English and Spanish. 

These videos are part of a broader set of safety education resources developed through the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program, which focuses on hazard recognition and prevention across key areas of recycling operations.