Position Overview
Suburban Carting Co. is seeking a Summer Safety Communications & Research Intern to assist in the development of employee safety training and communication materials. The intern will research applicable OSHA regulations, industry best practices, and waste and recycling industry safety standards to create engaging safety presentations and educational materials for drivers, helpers, and operational employees.
This position offers hands-on experience in occupational safety, employee training, regulatory research, and workplace communications while contributing to the safety culture of a leading waste and recycling company. The internship will support our ongoing efforts to enhance an already robust safety program that includes monthly toolbox talks, quarterly safety meetings led by an outside safety consultant, safe driving recognition programs, rewards for incident- and injury-free performance, comprehensive defensive driving training, and hands-on orientation for new drivers operating collection vehicles. The selected intern will help build upon these existing initiatives by developing new safety communication tools that reinforce key safety messages and promote continuous improvement throughout our organization.
Why You Should Apply: Skip the coffee runs and busy work. Spend your summer leading a meaningful project that will have a lasting impact on employee safety.
- Build a professional portfolio of custom digital safety campaigns, slide decks, and graphic handouts that you design from concept to completion – a great piece to show future employers.
- Develop practical skills in research, content creation, communication, and project management that are valuable across many career paths
- Gain exposure to the waste and recycling industry—one of the most essential, highly regulated, and safety-focused industries in the country.
- Develop and showcase your skills using Canva, PowerPoint, and Google Slides while creating work you can confidently discuss in future interviews and include in your portfolio.
Primary Responsibilities
- Research OSHA regulations and guidance applicable to waste collection, transportation, and recycling operations.
- Research industry best practices from recognized organizations such as the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), and other relevant safety resources.
- Develop visual safety awareness content that will be displayed on monitors throughout the facility. These materials are designed to provide brief safety reminders and reinforce existing training, policies, and procedures. They are not formal training presentations.
- 8 slideshows focused on hazards and safe work practices associated with garbage collection.
- 8 slideshows focused on hazards and safe work practices associated with heavy vehicle repair and maintenance.
- Convert each presentation into a concise weekly safety handout for distribution to drivers and operational personnel.
- Ensure all materials accurately reflect current regulatory requirements and industry standards.
- Work with management and safety personnel to review and revise materials.
- Organize all source materials and references used during research.
- Assist with other safety communication initiatives as assigned.
Potential Safety Topics
- Defensive Driving and Accident Prevention
- Backing and Spotter Procedures
- Distracted Driving
- Pre-Trip and Post-Trip Inspections
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Heat Illness Prevention
- Working Around Traffic
- Lockout/Tagout Awareness
- Slips, Trips, and Falls
- Safe Lifting and Ergonomics
- Fatigue Management
- Winter Operations and Severe Weather Safety
Qualifications
- Current college student or recent graduate pursuing a degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health & Safety, Industrial Hygiene, Communications, Marketing, Business, Education, or a related field.
- Strong research and analytical skills.
- Excellent written communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Canva, Google Slides, and Microsoft Office.
- Ability to translate technical and regulatory information into employee-friendly training materials.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines.
Final Deliverables
At the completion of the internship, the intern will provide:
- 8 safety presentations suitable for continuous display related to driving safety & 8 corresponding handouts.
- 8 safety presentations suitable for continuous display related to vehicle maintenance safety & 8 corresponding handouts.
- Documentation of OSHA references and industry sources used.
- A reusable digital safety communication library for future employee training.