We don't learn anything from “waste not want not.” Every year, more than two billion tons of solid waste are generated by humans. Many of this waste is generated by construction. This is why dumpsters are so crucial.
You can't simply buy a dumpster to be rolled to your jobsite. OSHA only approved a few dumpster companies. To continue your business, you must meet their requirements.
What is OSHA and what do they do? What regulations govern dumpster use? How can you protect your workers from injuries from dumpster use?
These questions will help you keep your workers healthy at your job sites for many years. This is your quick guide.
What is OSHA?
The United States' regulatory agency for workplaces is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Although it falls under the Department of Labor's jurisdiction, it is largely independent.
OSHA workers visit companies across the United States. They inspect workplaces and inform companies about ways to make them safer. OSHA can impose a fine on a company that puts its employees at risk.
OSHA can investigate companies without warning. Employees can anonymously report safety violations to the OSHA whistle-blower hotline.
The private sector is the majority of OSHA's work. OSHA inspects all industries but they also investigate many construction companies. Construction supervisors need to be familiar with the regulations of OSHA.
States might have their own regulatory boards to oversee public sector workers. You should look at the laws of your state before you try to follow OSHA's guidelines. It does review the work of federal agencies.
Dumpster regulations
For dumpsters, there are no OSHA regulations. However, Section 5 of the 1970 Occupational Safety and Hyg Act lists the obligations that companies must meet.
Section 5.a(1) says that an employer must provide “for each of his employees…a place of employment…free from recognized hazards.” A dumpster is considered a hazard if it is large enough to cause severe injury or crushing. For improperly using a dumpster, a company could be issued a citation.
OSHA has issued citations to companies who have failed to adhere to safety guidelines for dumpster use. OSHA conducted an investigation into the death of a worker using a dumpster. The worker's employer was fined more that 16,000 USD because they violated Section 5(a).(1)
Trade groups have established regulations regarding dumpster use. Talk to your labor union or group to find out what regulations apply to you.
The regulations generally require that dumpsters be placed in a safe area near a building or construction site. Clearance of debris and cleanliness around dumpsters is required. Employees are not allowed to enter the dumpster. They must use tools such as claws to move the contents. Businesses renting dumpsters from a dumpster rental broken arrow, should follow all necessary requirements.
How to become OSHA approved
For almost every type of construction, dumpsters are essential. Tossing waste can attract insects and damage building materials.
You may not require large or bulky dumpsters. Consider the different sizes of dumpsters to see if a smaller dumpster might be more useful.
After you have chosen the right dumpster, consider the best place to put it. It is not necessary to put your dumpster directly in front of your construction site. You may find it more convenient to place it to the side.
Use common sense safety precautions. Place your dumpster where it is easy for workers to access. Don't fill it up with too much, and empty it at the end.
OSHA doesn't have specific guidelines for dumpster use. However, they could add them in the future. These investigations can impact your business and they release the results of investigations on a daily basis. You can visit their website once per week to learn new policies and integrate them into your safety plan.
Do not panic if an OSHA inspector arrives on your job site. Show them your safety policies and be as transparent as you can with them.
How to maintain safety on the job site
It is important to take precautions to ensure that your dumpster remains safe. De-ice the area leading to your dumpster if it starts to rain or snow.
Make sure your dumpster doesn't sway when it is windy. Secure lids to prevent them from flying open if you have them.
Your employees should be taught how to fill a dumpster. You should instruct your employees how to lift a bag or trash can using your legs. They should also move in a smooth way. People sometimes twist their bodies which can cause injury or even lead to a fall.
In any area workers gather, including break areas, place a trash can. The bin should be clearly labeled and instructions given on how to unload it.
It is important to respond immediately to any accident. All injured workers should be taken to the hospital immediately. Witnesses of the accident must also give their testimony. Report to OSHA and participate in their investigation.
Get Your Dumpsters Today
Your business can only continue if you go through OSHA. OSHA is the national regulator for job sites.
Although they don't have any specific requirements regarding dumpsters, they can fine you if there are hazards. Trade associations recommend that obstacles be removed from the area around a dumpster.
Place a small dumpster in a convenient place. Even if OSHA has approved you, it is important to use common sense. Your workers should be taught how to dispose of trash.
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