Don’t Pull, Push Heavy Dumpsters

Safety Is Key. Always Know Your Company's Protocol.
Safety Is Key. Always Know Your Company’s Protocol.

Have you ever seen someone step in front of a vehicle that begins rolling without someone behind the wheel? It can be a 3,000-pound car and otherwise intelligent people sometimes put themselves in harm’s way in an attempt to stop it from rolling out of control. It’s an instinctive response that can result in serious injury. Trash dumpsters can also begin rolling out of control when being moved, so it’s best to push dumpsters rather than pull them from in front.

Why pulling is more likely to cause injuries

When a person pulling a cart has to stop suddenly, the cart is going to continue moving forward. It can cause lower leg lacerations, falls, or even more severe injuries. When a person is manually pulling a heavy trash dumpster, they are walking in a twisted position with their legs moving forward and their shoulders, back, and hip turned at an angle to their forward motion. This makes them highly vulnerable to strains and back injuries.

Pushing gives the individual more control

When pushing, the person doesn’t have to turn their head to see where they’re going. The load is more manageable and will not run over the individual if they stop suddenly. However, the best option is a motorized dumpster mover. With a DJ Products WasteCaddy, one person can easily and safely maneuver heavy loads on inclines and surfaces covered with snow and ice. The ergonomically designed dumpster mover controls make starting and stopping a breeze.

We have a wide range of dumpster movers capable of moving 500 lbs to 10,000 lbs. Contact us for a free demo.

Protect Your Warehouse Staff with These Cold Weather Tips

Winter Snow In Farmers Field
Winter Tips

Over the last couple of years, many parts of the country have experienced historically severe winter weather. Are you and your warehouse staff prepared for the next few months? Use these helpful cold weather tips to keep employees safe and comfortable during frigid conditions:

• Proper clothing is the first line of defense against cold weather. All employees should be outfitted with thick socks, non-slip boots and insulated gloves as well as snug hats. Dressing in layers is suggested for increased warmth, but make sure that clothes are not so baggy that they pose a safety hazard.

• Employees should take regular breaks in warm areas. You might want to provide a supply of hot beverages for the break room.

• Institute a buddy system so employees can watch each other for signs of distress.

• Add supplemental heating where space permits. Never use carbon monoxide-emitting heaters in closed areas or places with no circulation.

• Remind employees to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. They should also eat nutritious, high-calorie foods to maintain strength and energy.

• Hypothermia, which can occur when body temperature drops below 95 degrees, affects people both mentally and physically. If an employee begins experiencing shivering, confusion and slowed breathing, move the person to a warm area and seek immediate medical attention. Warm them gradually to prevent shock from setting in.

Keep Your Workplace Moving with Industrial Tugs from DJ Products

Battery-powered industrial tugs from DJ Products improve workplace safety year-round during any type of weather. Visit our website where our knowledgeable sales engineers are standing by to help you select the right tug or mover for your jobs.