Alston Sandzen is the Regional Environmental, Health, and Safety Manager for Generate Upcycles, composting division. He manages Environmental health and safety for nine composting facilities. The focus in his role is hazard recognition and mitigation. Alston began his experience in composting in 2015 as an operations leader and has been working in composting safety for five years. He is experienced in safety compliance, quality control, material flow, and implementing required programs and controls both in operations and in safety. He is also an experienced Hauling Operations Director that has worked with more than 100 industrial partners and commercial customers. He has experience leading effective teams’ continuous improvement in the efficiency of hauling pickup and delivery and has a vast understanding of the composting process from beginning to end, making him a very effective safety manager.

Session Code: 4A

Track: Operations

Session Name: Safety

Session Time: Thursday, February 8, 8:30 – 10:00 AM

Presentation Title: Top Safety Hazards in Composting and Mitigation Techniques

Presentation Description: This presentation will review the top safety hazards that we have experienced in composting and the techniques we used to help mitigate these hazards. These hazards include smolders, mobile equipment, and Pedestrians & Spotters. Some of the techniques used to help reduce these occurrences include policies and procedures for Equipment Distance, Emergency Materials Management and Proper Protective Equipment. Our policies and procedures will continue to change and grow as our safety culture improves. We will strive to stay safe today and everyday.