Basic Safety Tips for Pumpers

Basic Safety Tips for Pumpers
Outfits can be easily overlooked when it comes to safety in the workplace, but in reality, the clothes and gear worn daily can play a key role in fending off danger. (Photo by Bill Pribisco)

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Be safe. Drive safe. Stay safe. We hear these phrases often and sometimes utter them to others without much thought. 

J.B. Myers Enterprises Inc., provider of portable sanitation, septic system and grease trap services, has taken these words to heart in recent years, however, implementing successful accident prevention programs in the process. As a result, the family company located in Blairsville, Pa., was honored with the Governor’s Award for Safety Excellence. 

And while most professionals are aware of the appropriate attire and safety procedures when pumping out a septic tank or inspecting an onsite system, refreshers never hurt. Lori Dudzinsky, co-owner of J.B. Myers, offers up some of her best advice to keep in mind every time you handle a job. And with only nine employees, the company understands the importance of keeping everyone safe. 

Top 5 safety suggestions: 

1.     Dress the part 

Outfits can be easily overlooked when it comes to safety in the workplace, but in reality, the clothes and gear worn daily can play a key role in fending off danger. 

“The attire we prefer is a company shirt with name/logo, long pants, steel-toed boots, safety glasses, and work gloves,” Dudzinsky says. “You just never know when that extra layer of safety will pay off.” 

2.     Park like a pro 

While pumping a septic tank, make sure the truck is left in a secure area like the homeowner’s driveway or completely off the side of the road. When it’s necessary to park on the side of the road, use four-way blinkers and turn the headlights on.  

3.     Pick your path 

“Survey the situation and decide the safest path to the septic tank,” notes Dudzinsky, adding that slips, trips and falls are the No. 1 cause of workplace deaths. After selecting the best route, then move forward with laying the hose to the septic tank. 

4.     Save your back 

“We require customers to have the septic tank dug open and the lid removed,” Dudzinsky says. “This helps prevent any back strains or injuries.” 

When loading the hose back onto the truck after pumping, get a good grip on the hose before bending at the knees and lifting with your legs. In addition, a company wellness program at J.B. Myers provides employees with back safety pointers and exercises, which help improve overall health and prevent injury. 

5.     Stand tall and sit up straight 

Stooping or slouching can lead to back pain, headaches and other health problems, but maintaining proper posture can contribute to better balance and a strong, well-balanced body. And it’s something to work on throughout the day in various ways. Keep an eye on your posture while standing, for example, or when sitting behind the wheel. 

Be safe, drive safe, stay safe 

With these tips in mind and a refresher under your belt, go ahead and return to work with an eye on maintaining your good habits, correcting any bad ones, and doing everything in your power to stay safe and healthy on the job. 



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