Waste Pro drivers and helpers earn more than $1M in safety awards

Waste Pro, based in Longwood, Florida, says it has awarded 115 employees its Safety Award. A total of $1.03 million has been awarded to 91 drivers and 24 helpers dedicated to safely serving the communities within the southeastern United States.

“This recognition is earned and not won; it takes hard work, dedication, and a belief in the Waste Pro Way in addition to following our core values and safety protocols,” says Waste Pro Director of Safety Romeo Vellutini.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has ranked solid waste collection in the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the United States, with fatality rates being as high as 10 times the national average. To enhance and increase its commitment to safety, Waste Pro’s Founder and Executive Board Chairman John Jennings established the $10,000 Safety Award Program in 2004 for drivers.

To earn the award, drivers must go three years without an at-fault accident, injury or incident causing property damage. Awardees also must have a record of excellent customer service, maintain a well-kept truck and have a strong attendance record. The helper safety award was created in 2019 with the same requirements.

Since the program’s inception in 2004, about $7.4 million has been given to drivers and helpers committed to safety and the service they provide to communities throughout the company's footprint. More than 740 drivers and 97 helpers have earned the awards, some of whom have earned them multiple times.

“Showcasing value and our commitment to our Waste Pros is more important than ever,” President and CEO Sean Jennings says. “When my father started our Safety Award program, it allowed us a path to rewarding our hard-working frontline employees who demonstrate the commitment to safety and service that we pride ourselves on offering in the communities we serve.”