$90 billion Waste Management CEO worked trash routes at 1 a.m. with workers-here's why
Fortune••general
Key Points:
- Waste Management CEO Jim Fish emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience and learning from frontline workers, highlighting that understanding operational challenges goes beyond just financial metrics.
- The company prioritizes safety, aiming to reduce its total recordable injury rate (TRIR) by 3% annually to reach a target of 2.0 by 2030, and has already achieved a 5.8% reduction in overall injuries last year.
- Fish’s direct engagement with employees, including riding along on trash routes and attending early morning safety meetings, has provided valuable insights into operational challenges and workforce needs.
- Addressing language barriers by promoting bilingual managers significantly improved safety outcomes and employee empowerment within predominantly Spanish-speaking teams.
- Fish believes Waste Management’s true strength lies in
