SAFETY TIP TUESDAY- NCESD
Provided by the North Central ESD Workers Compensation Trust
THE HAZARDS OF
TAKING OUT THE PAPER AND THE TRASH
Custodial, maintenance and food service workers are responsible for taking out the trash. Unfortunately, every year employees are injured doing this seemingly easy chore, suffering injuries ranging from a simple strain/sprain that does not require medical attention to more serious injuries such as a hernia or a bulging or ruptured disc requiring surgery and time away from work.
Injuries often occur when garbage cans are overfilled or the contents of the bag have been pushed down to create more room for garbage. A strong suction is generated by the vacuum of air when a filled garbage bag is lifted from a trash can. Extra force is then needed to pull an overfilled bag out of a garbage can.
We all need to work together to help keep these valuable workers safe.
GIVE 'EM A BREAK AND HELP LIGHTEN THE LOAD!
Create a false bottom in the trash can using a light piece of foam or an empty box positioned upside down to reduce the volume of garbage that will fit into the can or tie a knot in the bottom of the garbage bag.
Empty trash cans frequently to avoid accumulating heavy loads.
Dump unused beverages down the drain before throwing the container away to eliminate extra weight & prevent messy spills and possible slip/fall injuries.
Help create a "custodial friendly classroom":
- Never discard books & other heavy items in the garbage. Leave them near the trash can in a box marked “garbage”.
- Use several small boxes to collect paper for recycling.
- Remove unused items from the classroom. If you have not used the material within the past year, it should be removed.
PROPERLY DISPOSE OF BROKEN GLASS & OTHER SHARP OBJECTS
Never put broken glass or other sharp objects into the regular garbage.
Contact a custodial or maintenance staff member for assistance disposing of broken glass or other sharp objects which need to be disposed of in a clearly labeled, puncture-proof container.
AND, IF YOU EVER HAVE TO TAKE OUT THE TRASH, TAKE TIME TO CHECK THE LOAD & GET HELP IF IT'S TOO HEAVY OR AWKWARD!
North Central ESD Workers' Compensation Trust
Email: brooket@ncesd.org
Website: www.ncesd.org
Location: 430 Olds Station Road, Wenatchee, WA, United States
Phone: 509-667-3635