We take safety very seriously at Earth Wise Skips. All our staff are trained and experienced in using health and safety procedures when picking up and delivering skip bins on the Sunshine Coast.
If our drivers are ever unsure – for example, if the skip bin is overfull or seems to be off balance – they will choose not to pick up the bin rather than risk anyone’s safety.
We regularly inspect, test and maintain all our trucks, bins and other equipment to ensure it is fit for purpose. We also have a qualified person doing repairs and keeping everything in great working order.
However, we also depend on you to ensure everyone’s safety while you have a skip bin on your property to prevent anyone getting hurt. Here are some important safety tips for all our commercial and residential skip bin customers.
Safety on skip bin delivery and pick-up
When we arrive to drop off and pick up your skip bin, make sure there are no children or pets around – they can watch from a distance.
If you have a dog or other animal, ensure they’re restrained for their own safety.
Also clear the area where the skip bin will be located. Remove all toys, items and debris to ensure the bin will sit on level, cleared ground.
Using the skip safely
Don’t overfill the bin
You can fill a skip bin only to the top of the bin. If the waste is above the bin line, by law we can’t remove it.
Wear protective clothing in the bin
Some of our bins have wheelbarrow doors that enable you to walk into the bin. You must wear protective clothing when you go into the bin, including covered and solid shoes, trousers and long-sleeved shirt. This will prevent you get scratched arms and legs, and nails, glass or other sharp objects in your feet.
Balance the weight correctly
A skip bin can become unbalanced and dangerous if you put lighter items on the bottom and heavy ones on the top. It could fall over while being loaded and even tip the truck over. Always place heavier items on the bottom.
Also balance out the weight across the bin, so it isn’t heavier on one side. Again this could tip the skip bin over and even the truck.
Staying safe around the skip bin
It’s important to keep the area around the bin clean and clear. When you throw waste into the bin, the debris, nails and screws, glass or other dangerous items can easily land beside the bin, rather than in it.
Regularly scan the area and pick up any debris. Make sure all items go into the bin.
Additionally, don’t leave items around the bin that are ready to go into it. This will create a trip hazard and make it more difficult for people to reach the bin.
Also leave room for vehicles and pedestrians to safely move around and past the bin. When you first plan to hire a skip bin, consider how much room you’ll need around it.
Always keep children and curious pets away from the skip bin for their own safety.
No smoking
You must not smoke around the skip bins, as some of the waste is extremely flammable and could start a fire.
No prohibited materials
You must not place prohibited or dangerous items into our skip bins. Additional charges and even legal charges could apply if this is not adhered to. Read more in our waste guide.
Liability
We want everyone to stay safe while using our skip bins. However, Earth Wise Skips does not accept responsibility for any injury or property damage arising out of the use of our service.
Want to know more?
We have a safety-first approach to our skip bin operations. Please contact us if you have any questions about how to use a skip bin safely.