Recyclable Material Handler Safety Training

OSHA Required Training
Forklifts OSHA Regulation: 1910.178(l)
When OSHA Requires Forklift Training:
When an employee is required to use a powered industrial truck as part of their job duties. See full OSHA regulation for more details.Training Frequency
Re-evaluation every three years; re-training if new equipment is introduced, an accident occurs, or if the operator is operating the equipment in an unsafe manner.Downloadable Forklift Training Resources (free):
Manlifts OSHA Regulation: 1910.66(i)(1)
When OSHA Requires Manlift Training:
When an employee is required to operate a working platform as part of their job. See full OSHA regulation for more details.Training Frequency
None specified.Downloadable Manlift Training Resources (free):
Hearing Protection OSHA Regulation: 1910.95(k)
When OSHA Requires Hearing Protection Training:
Employees that are exposed to noise at or above an 8-hour time weighted average of 85 decibels. See full OSHA regulation for more details.Training Frequency
Annually.Downloadable Hearing Protection Training Resources (free):
First Aid OSHA Regulation: 1910.266 App B
When OSHA Requires First Aid Training:
In the absence of a nearby hospital or clinic (more than 4 minutes away), a designated employee should be trained to render first aid. See full OSHA regulation for more details.Training Frequency
Retraining for life threatening emergencies should occur annually. Retraining for non-life-threatening response should occur 'periodically'.Downloadable First Aid Training Resources (free):
Personal Protective and Respiratory Equipment OSHA Regulation: 1910.132(f)
When OSHA Requires Personal Protective and Respiratory Equipment Training:
When an employee is required to wear PPE, they must be trained on its usage. See full OSHA regulation for more details.Training Frequency
Retraining required when the type of PPE changes, employee demonstrates inability to use PPE properly, or when the workplace changes in a way that renders previous training obsolete.Downloadable Personal Protective and Respiratory Equipment Training Resources (free):
Industry Best-Practice Training (Not required by OSHA)
Ergonomics
Training Frequency
AnnuallyDownloadable Ergonomics Training Resources (free):
Materials Handling
Training Frequency
AnnuallyDownloadable Materials Handling Training Resources (free):
Hand, Wrist and Finger
Training Frequency
AnnuallyDownloadable Hand, Wrist and Finger Training Resources (free):
Slips, Trips and Falls
Training Frequency
AnnuallyDownloadable Slips, Trips and Falls Training Resources (free):
Similar Job Titles
Injury Risk
- Very Low
- Low
- Moderate
- HIGH
- VERY HIGH

Annual Injury Rate
Recyclable Material Handler Safety Tips
Quick Tip
Batteries and other electrical devices might end up in the recycling. These can be very harmful to your health and produce a shock, especially if you are near water. Be very careful handling any electronic devices, and if you are unsure how to handle it, put them down and contact a supervisor.
With the threat of climate change, the overcrowding of city dumps, and the dangers of trash burning, recycling is becoming more and more of a necessity each and every day. To encourage more households and offices to recycle as much as possible, many communities now employ special recyclable material handlers to sort out recyclable materials for people. This job is an incredibly important position for local communities and the entire planet, but its factory-like setting and repetitive tasks make the professionals vulnerable to injury and accidents. Follow these simple safety tips to make sure that you are doing your part for the environment without putting yourself or your coworkers in jeopardy.
Wear the Proper Personal Protective Equipment
- There is no telling what you might be handling. It’s possible that the materials coming through the recycling that could be dangerous or harmful to your health. Pay close attention and wear the right gear at all times.
- Protect your eyes with goggles or a face shield.
- Use proper masks if you are dealing with any chemicals that are hazardous to breathe.
- Use the correct, tough gloves when handling sharp or hazardous products.
Know the standard emergency procedures for your recycling facility
- Know the location of the eye flush station in case you are exposed to something harmful.
- Know the quickest route from your station to an emergency exit. Practice these exits with fire drills so you know exactly what to do in the event of a major emergency.
- Keep walkways and areas in front of emergency exits clear and free of clutter to avoid tripping and making quick exits easier.
- Be familiar with the contact information of the proper authorities, such as the fire department and poison control in case you are exposed to something toxic.
Limit Distractions
- Never text or talk on the cell phone while on sorting recycling. Missing something in front of you will cause problems for others and could lead to major accidents and injuries.
- Wear proper attire that won’t draw attention away from the work at hand or get caught in any machinery. No dangling strings, flashy shirts, keep your hair secured, and do not wearing jewelry.
- Take your breaks. Getting some fresh air or time away from your position will help you to focus and concentrate better while you are there. Don’t let yourself “zone out” while you are sorting.
Keep your area efficient
- Keep your area free of junk or debris.
- Never chew gum or eat at your station. This is distracting and creates unnecessary mess.
- Clean up after yourself if you spill something.
- If you must move quickly throughout the recycling center, never run. Always walk.
- Communicate with your coworkers and supervisors. Working better as a team will improve efficiency and cut down on the possibility of accidents.
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