January 29, 2015

2 Min Read
Sixty Seconds with Certified Safe Driver Sais Singh

Tiffany Jones

Meet Sais Singh, operations supervisor with Republic Services in Bellevue, Wash. Sais, who has been in the waste industry for more than two years, recently earned the Certified Safe Driver credential offered by the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA).

The association developed the credential to address the specialized needs of the industry, and the specific driving hazards its employees face daily. Someone who successfully passes the certification exam demonstrates that they have a foundational knowledge of industry best practices in driver safety. Certified drivers show a base level knowledge proficiency in the elements of commercial driving, safety protocol, procedure, regulations, standards, and performance. 

For driving professionals in the waste and recycling industry, certification establishes a means for professionals to validate their knowledge, skills, and ability. It says to employers, peers and the industry that the highest standards of excellence and safety are being met. By becoming credentialed as a Certified Safe Driver, people like Sais serve as leaders and role models. Many of our members asked for a driver certification because they understand it will help them make better hiring and promotion decisions. We think that safe driver certification could lower risk of accidents for our industry and may even help reduce insurance costs. 

Drivers, training managers and other safety professionals who earn the Certified Safe Driver credential know how to:

  • Prevent injury and fatalities

  • Demonstrate their knowledge during vehicle inspections

  • Mitigate against risks that occur daily

  • Mentor new and temporary employees on their route

  • Control their vehicle in the most dangerous and hazardous conditions

The exam consists of 75 multiple choice questions. Candidates are given 90 minutes to complete the exam. A passing score of 70 percent is needed to be recognized as a Certified Safe Driver professional.

We asked Sais a few questions regarding his recent accomplishment:

NWRA: Why is driver safety important to you?

Singh: Driver safety prevents unnecessary claims, increases morale and productivity, and gives credit to our company’s good name.

NWRA: How does it feel to be able to use the Certified Safe Driver—CSD—credentials after your name?

Singh: It’s a sign of preparation, experience and pride in this industry. Trucks move everything in our nation. To be part of that group is an honor for me.

We are excited to welcome Sais into our family of Certified Safe Drivers.

To learn more about the Certified Safe Driver certification, and how your drivers can earn this industry-specific credential, visit the certification page of our website, or email us at [email protected].

Tiffany Jones is the certification director for the National Waste & Recycling Association. Contact her at [email protected]

Stay in the Know - Subscribe to Our Newsletters
Join a network of more than 90,000 waste and recycling industry professionals. Get the latest news and insights straight to your inbox. Free.

You May Also Like