Course:SPPH381B/TermProject/The Red Solo Cup/Hazards with Rear-Loading Trucks

Introduction

A vehicle involved in recycling pickup is often equipped with a rear-loading mechanism which leads to the hazard of being crushed by the dumpster while it is being emptied into the back of the truck. The process of emptying a dumpster involves backing up to the dumpster, attaching a wire cable to the lifting eye of the dumpster, and winching the dumpster to a point at which trash will fall from it. When a rear loading mechanism is not used, a worker must manually collect and empty the recycling bins, which may lead to lifting injuries

Drivers of curbside pickup vehicles are exposed to similar risks as truckers. See Hazards in the Trucking Industry.

Crushing Injury

Recognition

A 45-year-old waste disposal worker died on March 24, 2003, from injuries received when crushed between a dumpster, weighing 970 lbs. when empty, and the rear-loading disposal truck. The worker had 6.5 year of experience in the sector and had been picking up at this particular site for 6 months. The operator is required to lock safety latches, found on either side or the dumpster to stabilize it as it is being lifted, the investigation found that this procedure had not been followed. As lifting began the dumpster dislodged and swung around the truck to where the operator was standing.

Evaluation

The hazards involved with a rear-loading truck often arise when the dumpster dislodges during the emptying cycle, this occurs if the locking bars are not engaged or if the wire rope fails by becoming dislodged from the dumpster’s lifting eye. In the case mentioned above, the time of the incident was listed as approximately 4:30 am, fatigue may have been associated with the lack of use of the safety latches, as increased fatigue is related to increased likelihood of incidents .

Control

Controls that can be put in place to protect workers from the risks associated with rear-loading trucks include educational and legislatives aspects. The employees should be made aware of safety procedures when using a rear-loading vehicle and should be taught necessary safety measures. Education and training should include information pertaining to the potential risk of not using safety protocols and there should be adequate warnings and signage on the vehicle itself. The employer is also responsible for conducting follow-up and retraining sessions, as well as inspections of the vehicle and loading mechanisms itself.

Lifting Injuries

As some workers are required to manually collect and empty the recycling bins, they are at risk for lifting injuries and musculoskeletal disorders. These injuries arise from lifting items that are too heavy, lifting too often, or awkward body postures. Musculoskeletal disorders can lead to lost work days, increased insurance costs, and reduced operation efficiency and quality. The use of hydraulic lifting mechanisms removes many of these problems.