Veolia recycling truck driver recognized for safety

Kevin Brady, a recycling truck driver for Veolia ES Solid Waste since 2003, has been named the 2010 recipient of the “Saved by the Belt Award” from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA).

Brady accepted his award at CVSA’s annual conference in Anaheim, California, during an awards luncheon.

The “Saved by the Belt” award is presented annually to a commercial vehicle driver whose life was saved or injuries significantly reduced because he or she was wearing a seatbelt when involved in an accident. The recipient of the award must not be at fault in the accident and must be wearing the seatbelt properly.

“Our number one priority for our drivers is their safety,” said Jim Suter, general manager with Veolia ES Solid Waste. “We are very proud of Kevin and the standard that he has set for our company.”

On August 16, 2010, Brady’s recycling truck was hit head-on by a small passenger car in Ft. Myers, Florida. Fortunately, Brady was wearing a seatbelt, but sustained a fractured left knee. The driver of the car was transported by helicopter to the hospital.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were over 4,000 injuries to solid waste collection workers in 2008.