An update to this 2011 post – an additional fatality involving a compactor. Click here for more information.

Compactors/balers are responsible for numerous workplace fatalities. On June 4, 2011 a scrapyard worker was crushed in a compactor.

In another incident, a scrap yard worker was seriously injured in car crusher.

Workers must not enter compactors and balers unless they are properly locked/tagged out and the hydraulic ram secured in the “Up” position for vertical units. NIOSH has issued a safety alert for compactors.

Jon