THE TIPPING POINT

摘要

Bales simplify recyclers' work by making scrap easier to handle, store, and transport than it would be if it were loose material. But bales can weigh from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds, and they often hold material under high compression, making them potential hazards in the workplace. Whether it's steel or paper you're baling, it really doesn't matter, recyclers say. The same hazards exist across the board as you stack the bales and handle them. If a 1,000-pound bale of plastic, a 1,500-pound bale of paper, or a 3,000-pound bale of steel falls-even a short distance-it can crush a human body, causing severe injuries, loss of a limb, or death. That's why it's essential to train recycling facility workers to handle, store, load, unload, and work safely around bales.