How to Prevent Injury with Dumpster Safety Best Practices
Dumpsters are used every day on commercial properties, to appropriately remove materials such as metal, plastic, and wood. There are a number of safety concerns when it comes to dumpsters that any construction worker, warehouse employee, or residential homeowner need to be aware of, when using them.
Preparing yourself with appropriate protection
When using a dumpster, think of the dangers that come with the materials being handled around it. Very easily, an injury can take place. The first step to guarding against injury is in preparing one’s self, ensuring they are wearing the appropriate protective equipment. Wear work gloves to place and/or remove items from the dumpster. Also, eye protection is recommended to provide protection from the dust and particles that are sent up into the air when materials are being tossed in.
Preventing muscle strain and personal injury
When filling a dumpster, ensure that it is never filled above the recommended limit. For any heavy items, always ask for assistance in lifting and placing it in the dumpster. If waste bags are particularly heavy or contain hazardous materials, use the dumpster door to place them in the container rather than attempting to throw them over. For any waste that is in an unfriendly shape, break the item down to make packing easier. These are all tips that can be used to guard against injury while using a dumpster. Keep in mind that back, shoulder, and neck injuries are common with workers who are frequently using dumpsters. This is why it is integral to employ best practices.
Reminders about the waste being collected
Depending on the waste being collected and what the dumpster was previously used for, there could be hazards associated with the waste itself that you need to watch out for. For example, dumpster waste is sometimes sharp which could lead to infected puncture wounds if one is not careful. At times, some have attempted to dump hazardous materials, biomedical waste, and/or chemicals. By having a dumpster, it does tend to attract others who want to dispose of items without having to take them elsewhere. Be aware of these hazards and keep an eye out for waste that could present danger.
Some best practices regarding dumpsters
By having a dumpster, it requires those around it to employ best practices to mitigate risks and keep safety as the highest priority. There should be no smoking around dumpsters, fire extinguishers should be kept close, and no hazardous materials should at any point be placed inside.
If waste has to be moved around in the dumpster to create more space, do so safely with a stepladder and a pole. It is not recommended to ever climb on top of waste inside the dumpster. Finally, to guard against arson and/or trespassers, dumpsters should be placed in a location with adequate lighting and any lids or doors should be closed when not in use.
Safety is key!
Dumpsters are a major asset for any commercial site or construction job but they do require some additional oversight to ensure that safety is maintained. By following these dumpster safety tips, you ensure that all property and personnel are being adequately protected from injury or damage. For any questions on what you can and/or cannot place inside a dumpster, don’t hesitate to contact your dumpster rental company who should be able to answer any concerns you may have.
