Transfer Station Safety Topics: Ergonomics

Of all the transfer-station safety topics that concern waste-handling operations, one can do more to prevent all sorts of injuries than any other. We’re speaking, of course, about ergonomics. This science of efficiency at work can reveal the motions and tasks that lead to strain. That strain is a leading cause of workplace injury.

Unfortunately, there remain no federal ergonomic standards to govern material handling procedures at transfer stations or elsewhere. There are, however, plenty of great reasons for employers that operate transfer stations to invest in ergonomics programs. These include:

• Fewer injuries, resulting in less time away from work and fewer workers’ compensation claims (which itself keeps insurance rates down).
• Happier employees. When every member of the staff is comfortable, and morale is at its peak, turnover rates plummet.
• Greater efficiency. Remember that efficient work is at the root of ergonomics. Safer material handling not only prevents injury, it also boosts productivity.
• Quick return on investments. Employers may balk at the notion of new material handling equipment and ergonomic training programs. These investments, though, often provide a return with every injury they prevent.

The question remains: What’s the best way to move toward a culture of ergonomics at transfer stations where employees are used to completing tasks manually? First, it’s crucial to identify the risks. Transfer stations require workers to perform many tasks that can create ergonomic risks if not handled with the right equipment and training, such as:

• Heavy lifting.
• Repetitive tasks.
• Vibrating equipment.
• Simultaneously lifting and twisting (as when manually emptying bins.)
• Bins and tools with sharp or painful edges.

Everything on that list exposes workers to the potential development of musculoskeletal disorders, which are injuries to soft tissues commonly associated with ergonomic risk factors. The best way to reduce the hazard is simple: Provide employees with material handling equipment that removes the risk.

Ergonomic Material Handling Equipment for Transfer Stations

Ergonomists, or scientists who study work, recommend “engineering controls” as a frontline defense against musculoskeletal hazards. Essentially, this means removing a risky motion entirely, and typically, that involves the addition of new material handling equipment.

Provide floor staff with Nu Star Power Pushers. These push/pull machines give a single employee the ability to move loaded bins without excessive force. With a load limit of 50,000 pounds, these rolling tug machines remove hazards associated with moving bins of waste and recyclables throughout the facility.

Employees at transfer stations also have to empty heavy bins onto the tipping floor. Rather than requiring them to accomplish this task manually, provide Hydarulic Bin Dumpers, which lift and empty industrial-scale waste bins without exposing the user to ergonomic risks.

With a few new pieces of material handling equipment, transfer station managers can virtually eliminate the risk of musculoskeletal disorders among their staff. Remember: Better ergonomics means safer, more efficient operation.

References:

“Ergonomics: Identify Problems.” OSHA. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, n.d. Web. 28 Feb. 2019.

“Transfer Station Safety Issues II.” WasteAdvantageMag. Waste Advantage Magazine, 15 Aug. 2014. Web. 28 Feb. 2019.

“Waste Transfer Stations: A Manual for Decision-Making.” EPA. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, June 2002. 28 Feb. 2019.