How to Keep Your Job Site OSHA Approved While Using Dumpsters

We don't learn from "waste not, want not." Human beings generate over two billion tons of solid waste every year. A lot of that waste comes from construction, which is why dumpsters are so important. 

But you can't just buy a dumpster and drag it to your job site. OSHA approved very few businesses for their dumpsters. You need to meet their sanction to continue your business.

But what is OSHA, and what does OSHA do? What are their regulations for dumpster use? How can you keep your workers safe from dumpster injuries? 

Answer these questions and you can keep your workers healthy on your job sites for years to come. Here is your quick guide. 

What Is OSHA? 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is the United States's regulatory agency for workplaces. It falls under the Department of Labor's purview, but it is largely autonomous. 

OSHA workers go to companies all throughout the United States. They examine the conditions of workplaces and educate companies on how they can make things safer. If a company has put its employees at extreme risk, OSHA can fine them. 

OSHA may conduct investigations of companies without prior warning. They have whistleblower hotlines so employees can make anonymous reports of safety violations. 

The bulk of the agency's work is in the private sector. Though OSHA examines all industries, they investigate many construction companies in detail. This means that construction supervisors must master the agency's regulations. 

States may have their own regulatory boards for public sector workers. If you have a state or local government job, you need to examine your state's laws instead of looking at OSHA's guidelines. The agency does examine the work of federal agencies. 

Regulations for Dumpsters

There are no formal OSHA regulations for dumpsters. But Section 5 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 lists the duties that a company must fulfill.

Section 5(a)(1) states that an employer must "furnish to each of his employees... a place of employment... free from recognized hazards." A dumpster can count as a hazard because it is a large object that can cause crushing or cutting injuries. A company can therefore receive a citation for improper use of a dumpster. 

OSHA has cited companies for failing to follow safety guidelines when using dumpsters. In August 2020, OSHA investigated the death of a worker who died while using a dumpster. They fined the worker's company more than 16,000 dollars for violating Section 5(a)(1).

Trade groups have imposed regulations on dumpster use. You should talk with your group or labor union to determine what regulations affect you. 

In general, regulations require dumpsters to be on a safe walking area in front of a building or construction site. The area around the dumpsters must be clean and free from debris. Employees cannot enter the dumpster, and they must use tools like claws to move contents around. 

How to Become OSHA Approved

Dumpsters are essential tools for nearly every construction site. Leaving waste out can attract insects, damage building materials, and create debris that can someone can trip over. 

But you may not need large or bulky dumpsters. Look into different dumpster rental sizes and consider if a small dumpster would be useful to you. 

Once you've got the right dumpster, think about the right place for it. You are not required to place yours directly in front of your construction site. It may be more useful to put it off to the side. 

Follow commonsense safety guidelines. Put your dumpster in a place where workers can walk around it. Do not fill yours to excess, and empty yours out at the end of the day. 

Though OSHA does not have guidelines specific to dumpster use, they may add new ones in the future. They release the findings of investigations on a regular basis, and these investigations may impact your business. Visit their website once a week and incorporate new policies into your safety plan. 

If an OSHA inspector arrives at your job site, do not panic. Be as transparent as possible with them and show them what policies you have in place for safety. 

How to Maintain Safety on the Job Site

You should always be taking steps to keep the area around your dumpster safe. If it begins to rain or snow, de-ice the area leading up to your dumpster. 

On windy days, make sure the dumpster cannot sway. If you have lids on your dumpster, secure their hinges so they do not fly open. 

Instruct your employees on how to fill a dumpster. They should lift a trash can or bag using their legs, moving in a smooth manner. Some people twist their bodies, which can tear a muscle or lead to a fall. 

Place a trash bin in each area where workers are gathering, including break areas. Label the bin clearly and include instructions on how a worker can unload it. 

You must respond to an accident as soon as one occurs. Get all injured workers medical attention, and get the testimonies of anyone who witnessed the accident. Make a report to OSHA and cooperate with their investigation. 

Get Your Dumpsters Today

You must go through OSHA for your business to continue. OSHA is the nation's regulator of job sites.

They don't have precise requirements for dumpsters, but they can fine you for leaving hazards in place. Trade groups recommend that you keep the space around a dumpster free from obstacles. 

Find a small dumpster and put it in a good place. Employ commonsense measures, even if OSHA approved you previously. Train your workers on how to throw away the trash. 

Don't let your trash sit out for long. Payless Rolloff provides junk removal for New Mexico's businesses. Contact us today.