Moving Heavy Dumpsters Can Lead to Injury
When it comes to injury risk in the workplace, people usually think of activities such as using power tools. Would it surprise you to learn that OSHA has identified specific factors that place pushing heavy dumpsters manually without a dumpster mover squarely into the danger zone?
Here are some of the main elements as stated by OSHA.
Forceful Exertions
When employees use a greater than usual amount of force to perform a task, such as moving a heavy dumpster, muscle fatigue sets in more rapidly. Over time, this can result in muscle strain, irritated tendons and damaged joints. Many workers compensation claims are related to back injuries from overexertion.
Awkward Postures
In order to move stubborn dumpsters, employees may find themselves leading with their shoulders, crouching down or taking some other unnatural stance that places additional stress on muscles and joints.
Pushing and Pulling
The force needed to move a dumpster across a surface is affected by its weight and the amount of friction between the dumpster and the surface. In fact, stopping and controlling the dumpster can be just as difficult, if not more so, than pushing and pulling it from place to place.
Uneven, Slippery or Sloped Surfaces
Inclines, snow and ice, and bumpy pavement can increase the already significant amount of force needed to move a dumpster and make stopping it several times more difficult.
OSHA Recommends Use of Powered Movers
According to OSHA, one of the more effective ways to limit these safety risks is with the use of powered movers such as our WasteCaddy dumpster mover. Call 800.686.2651 for more information.