Environmental Management Administration

The work of sanitation workers is complex and carries high risks. For a long time, under the principles of "serving the public" and "efficiency-oriented," the awareness of occupational safety and health management has been neglected by local environmental protection agencies. Although the Environmental Management Administration (EMA) of the Ministry of Environment is not the employer of sanitation workers nor the competent authority for the "Occupational Safety and Health Act," due to its concern for sanitation worker welfare, it has proactively taken numerous measures to support local environmental agencies in supporting sanitation worker care as well as provided subsidies for uniforms, established a "Sanitation Worker Day," promoting sanitation worker welfare through tangible steps.

In 2020, the administration formed the "Occupational Safety and Health Promotion Committee for Government-employed Sanitary Workers" as a communication platform facilitating collaboration with local environmental agencies to jointly promote sanitation worker care. In 2021, the administration formulated safety operation standards, health protection plans, self-inspection plans, and sample training materials on hazard prevention to establish a framework for occupational safety and health for sanitation workers. From 2022 onwards, the administration has held safety training, awareness campaigns, and regional observation events to help sanitation workers obtain professional certifications, thereby enhancing their expertise and reinforcing their awareness of occupational safety and health.

After understanding the current state of sanitation worker occupational safety and health and completing the establishment of relevant systems and providing training, the administration conducted its first occupational safety and health performance evaluation in 2023 to strengthen the management of occupational safety and health for sanitation workers between the administration and local environmental protection agencies. Starting in 2024, the administration has continued to guide local environmental protection agencies in implementing occupational safety and health management for sanitation workers, promoting their work safety and health.

The administration promotes the "Five Good Welfare Measures for Sanitation Workers," which include the five implementation aspects of "Good Living, Good Clothing, Good Cleaning, Good Mobility, and Good Safety." In terms of "Good Clothing," sanitation workers, who work hard outdoors, are provided with warm and sun-protective clothing to enhance their image. Since 2019, the administration has subsidized local environmental agencies in purchasing work gear for sanitation workers.

By the end of 2023, subsidies worth NT$531.7 million have been handed out for items such as long- and short-sleeve polo shirts, pants, waterproof jackets and pants, insulated vests, and sun protection sleeves, reflecting the administration's commitment to the care and support of sanitation workers.

To recognize and show appreciation for the year-round hard work and silent dedication of sanitation workers, and in reference to special days celebrating various occupations such as Nurses' Day, Police Day, Merchants' Day, and Lawyers' Day, the Ministry of Environment (formerly the Environmental Protection Agency) established "Sanitation Worker Day" to be on October 25, according to the Ministry of the Interior's "Guidelines for Commemorative and Holiday Events." This special day was first announced on November 26, 2011, during a "Waste Collection Safety Drill and Energy-Efficient Vehicle Update Observation" event. The designation was included by the Ministry of the Interior in 2012 into the "List of Commemorative and Celebratory Days and Event days Approved by Central Competent Authorities." The establishment of the dedicated day honors the efforts of sanitation workers, boosts morale, and is combined with the Ministry of Environment's annual ceremony recognizing model sanitation workers, which highlights sanitation workers' spirit of silently fighting for environmental sanitation and allows the public to express its gratitude and respect.

The administration will continue to develop, promote, and facilitate relevant mechanisms for the welfare and care of sanitation workers and organize professional training and workshops for sanitation workers, with the goal of helping local environmental agencies in putting more importance on the management of occupational safety and health for sanitation workers through effective measures, jointly becoming sanitation workers' strongest support.