Growing productivity has come with an increasing waste problem for manufacturing and heavy industry. The industrial sector produces more garbage than ever, and the task of disposing of it is often difficult, unsafe and inefficient. Failing to manage refuse properly can also come with significant consequences — fines, environmental damage and long-term health problems.

OSHA’s Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER 29 CFR 1910.120, 1926.65, EPA 40 CFR 311), aims at preventing or minimizing worker exposure to hazards during operations and emergency response to unplanned events such as releases or spills. It mandates training for various categories of workers including the First Responder.

The United States produces around 265 million metric tons of hazardous waste every year. With ongoing incidents, hazardous waste containment and disposal have become an increasing concern in recent times.

In early August, an error by personnel supervised by the EPA caused millions of gallons of mine waste to pour into a Colorado river that provides drinking water for thousands of nearby residents.