Office Safety-Lifting
There are hundreds of back and neck injuries each year due to improper lifting. It is easy to forgot about safe lifting but your back will thank you when you do remember. You can find slip resistant shoes and back braces at most of your local stores. They are not to expensive and will worth any price if they help to prevent a major back injury. Above all remember moving a box without using safety precautions may save you a few minutes but it may also cost you your job and lots of lost money on unneeded medical bills.
[edit] Safety when Reaching
A big problem is picking up or reaching for items incorrectly. This can cause serious back injuries to occur.If the package should hit your head it could seriously injure your spine and even cause brain damage. There are plenty of tips on how to move large or heavy objects correctly. If you think a box maybe to heavy for you to lift alone don't even try find a person to help you. Most accident that happen could have easily been avoided if the person had taken the time to look at the situation and find the best solution.
- Always use a ladder to get objects that are on high shelves. Never reach above you this could cause a muscle strain or the box could slip and hit your head.
- When lifting a box always bend at the knees. This puts less of a strain on your back and also helps steady your balance.
- A hand cart is a great tool if you need to move several heavy items at one time.
- Use a back brace whenever possible if you are constantly bending over to grab stuff. They help to steady your back and make injury less likely when used correctly.
- Never lift above your head. If your trying to place an object on a high self use a ladder.
- Check your ladder before each use make sure it is level and sturdy also be sure that all of the steps are clean and not broken.
[edit] Safety when Lifting
Lifting safety should be a topic of all work safety meetings. It is important to know the proper way to lift and carry objects. Back injuries are a leading cause of missed work days. Not only can a back injury be extremely painful it could cause permanent damage to the spine such as paralysis. the rules to lifting safety are easy to remember and will save you a lot of pain.
•Bend with your knees not with your back. This will help to prevent pulling a back muscle.
•If you need to lift something higher than your head use a ladder to help you reach the spot.
•Always make sure your feet are body are facing the same direction the entire time you are lifting or carrying heavy objects.
•Check the weight and make sure it is not to heavy for you to carry. If it is ask someone to help you lift it.
•Make sure you have a firm grip on the object before lifting it up.
•Walk slowly and calm moving with fast jerking motions could cause a muscle sprain.
•Get as close to the object as possible to avoid acrching your back which can cause muscle strain.
•Remember to pace yourself when carrying a heavy box. Take your time and walk slowly and watch your step so you don't trip or fall.
•If it is to heavy to lift with someone else helping use lifting equipment such as a forklift to get the job done safely.
[edit] Proper lifting Technique
•Bend at the knees to lower your body. Do not bend at the waist.
•Keep the the object as close to your body as possible
•Once you have a firm grip raise your head up first.
•Never try to stand up fast, take your time and avoid jerking or twisting motions.
•If you need to turn move your feet first and let your body follow.
•Walk with your feet slightly apart to keep better balance>
•When you are setting the heavy object down do than same as when you picked it up and bend with your feet till it is safely on the area you where trying to reach.
Source: Workplace Safety Tips
