Green Job Hazards - Recycling: Cardboard Baling

Recycling: Cardboard Baling

Worker Fatalities

• A worker whose duties included operating a forklift was crushed by 1,600 pounds of baled cardboard.

• A co-worker found a victim who had been crushed by a baling machine.

Many companies throughout the country use cardboard compacting machines to reduce the volume of cardboard stored on site (companies typically store the bundled cardboard until picked up for recycling). The unintended activation of a baling machine can have catastrophic results. Proper training and precautions are necessary to protect workers from potential injuries and fatalities.

Hazards and Precautions

Worker Fatalities

• A worker whose duties included operating a forklift was crushed by 1,600 pounds of baled cardboard.

• A co-worker found a victim who had been crushed by a baling machine.