Portable restroom operators must, by nature, be extra vigilant of safety. Not only do you have the physical threats associated with heavy lifting, machinery, and equipment operation, you have to be aware of the hazards of working with chemicals, as well as waste management and transfer. As if that wasn’t enough, you have the added risks that come with driving and towing heavy loads. We’re not exaggerating when we say there’s a lot involved!

That’s why having strong safety procedures in place that are understood by each and every employee, whether brand new or seasoned vet, is crucial to your business’s success.

Let’s look at the importance of safety procedures.

Safety of Employees

The foremost reason for having strong safety procedures is to ensure the safety of your staff. Your staff is required by state and federal laws to work in a safe environment and they’re protected by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

OSHA says that you must hold a safety meeting once a month with your employees to ensure everyone is up-to-date with the procedures. We recommend doing one better and having a meeting once a week so you’re really on top of things.

Make sure your safety manuals are updated and that each new employee is getting proper, thorough training in safety and accident prevention.

Fines and Punishments

If you don’t abide by OSHA regulations, you can find yourself penalized with hefty fines. In extreme cases, your business license can even be revoked. All the more reason to make sure you’re safety compliant!

You don’t want to put your employees in the awkward position where they don’t feel safe in their job and are considering informing OSHA. It saves money, worry, and disgruntled employees in the long run if you’re safety conscious at all times.

Some Ways to Prevent Common Accidents

• Implement safety on a daily basis – Put signs up around the office or yard, put a safety checklist in drivers’ trucks, and have safety huddles at the start of the day.
• Check your vehicles before and after a job. Beforehand, check brakes, headlights, and mirrors; remove dashboard and cab clutter; supply inventory and equipment checks. Before leaving a job, do a walkaround of the truck to make sure all is clear and nothing is out of place.
• Get your trucks and other equipment serviced often. Never let them go over their service due date.
• Buy windshield-mounted GPS or cell phone holders so your drivers are able to follow maps easily and not get distracted. Drivers looking up directions on a handheld phone is one of the most common causes of crashes.
• Similarly, rear-view cameras prevent tons of accidents every year. Look into installing these in your trucks.

Avoid violations, look after your employees, and set a good example by putting safety at the center of your business! For more on safety training and accident prevention, click here.

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