Plan For Safety: How To Protect Your Children From Dumpster Accidents

If you have plans for a big cleanup project, you need to rent a dumpster. If you have young children, you need to plan for dumpster safety. This is especially important if your children will be spending time outside while the dumpster is in your yard. It might look innocent enough, but a dumpster can cause serious injuries to young children, especially if safety measures are taken. Before your dumpster is delivered, make sure you have a safety plan in place. To help you get started, here are four tips that will keep your young children safe while you're renting a dumpster. 

Keep Your Kids Inside on Pickup Days

If you're going to rent a dumpster, be prepared for the service days. At least once a week, a sanitation company can come out to empty your dumpster. If you have young children, be sure to keep them inside while the sanitation company is emptying it. Children can be difficult to see, especially around the large sanitation trucks. If your children are near the dumpster or the sanitation truck, they could be seriously injured. If your children are curious about the pickup process, give them a front-row seat at a window while the sanitation truck is in your yard.

Install a Temporary Alarm System

If you have young children, you need to think about dumpster safety, especially where the lid is concerned. Dumpster lids can be quite heavy. If your children try to climb inside, the lid may close on them. If that happens, they could be trapped inside. They could also be injured when the lid closes on them. Unfortunately, you might not know that your children are playing on the dumpster. To make sure you know when the dumpster is being opened, install a temporary alarm on the lid. That way, the alarm will sound when your children try to open the lid. 

Pinch-Proof the Dumpster Lids

If your children have permission to toss garbage into the dumpster, you still need to worry about the lid. Fingers can get crushed between the dumpster and the lid, especially if precautions aren't taken to prevent accidents. Luckily, there's an easy way to pinch-proof the dumpster lid. You'll just need to grab a couple of foam pool noodles. Cut the noodles into appropriate lengths, and then cut them open lengthwise. Place the pool noodles along the upper edges of the dumpster. If the dumpster lid slams shut, it will land on the pool noodles, instead of your children's fingers. 

Lock the Dumpster Wheels

Finally, if your dumpster is going to be placed on any type of an incline, don't forget to lock the wheels. Without the wheel locks, your dumpster may roll down the hill, which could cause injuries to your children. Not only that, the dumpster could roll into your cars, causing property damage. Avoid damages and injuries by always locking the wheels on your dumpster. 

Contact a dumpster service for more information.


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