SAFE LIFTINGAvoiding a Painful Back

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Back Injuries

Back injuries account for nearly 20% of all injuries and illnesses in the workplace.

Back injuries cost the nation an estimated 20 to 50 billion dollars per year.

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Slips, Trips and Falls

On stairways alone, falls result in over two million disabling injuries yearly.

There are thousands more minor injuries caused by slips, trips, and falls each year.

Most alarming of all is, the fact that industrial falls cause over 1000 deaths each year.

Slips, trips and falls account for 15 to 20 percent of all workers' compensation costs.

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Leading Back Injury Factors

Poor posture Poor physical condition Incorrect lifting Jobs that require high energy

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THE SPINE’S BASIC FUNCTIONS

Providing support Protecting the spinal

cord Providing flexibility to

allow bending and rotating

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STANDING POSTURE

Keep your spinal column aligned in its natural curves

Prop one foot up on a stool to reduce stress in your lower back

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STRETCH OFTEN - SHIFT POSITIONS

Shift your posture often Stretch frequently

throughout the day Keep your body flexible

(not rigid or fixed) Don’t force your body to

conform to its workspace

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LIFT WITH COMMON SENSE!

Assess the situation Is the load big, bulky, heavy? Do you need help? Remember- no single technique will work

in all circumstances

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THE SAFE LIFTING ZONE

The safe lifting zone is between the knees and shoulders

Below knee level? – Bend with your knees

and lift with your legs

Above your shoulders?

– Use a stool or ladder

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PUSH-- DON’T PULL

Can you slide it instead of lifting it?

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Do you need equipment to help move it?

Use proper equipment– Hand trucks– Forklifts– Dollies– Use gloves if needed

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Must you twist or stretch to get it?

Readjust the load or your position before you lift.

Get help!

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PREPARING TO LIFT OR MOVE

Have you stretched your muscles or warmed up before lifting?

Are you wearing slip resistant shoes?

Have you cleared a pathway before you move the item?

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WHEN YOU LIFT

Do Plant your feet firmly - get a

stable base Bend at your knees - not

your waist Tighten your abdominal

muscles to support your spine

Get a good grip - use both hands

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WHEN YOU LIFT

Do Keep the load close to

your body Use your leg muscles as

you lift Keep your back upright,

keep it in its natural posture

Lift steadily and smoothly without jerking

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WHEN YOU LIFT

Do Not Lift from the floor Twist and lift Lift with one hand

(unbalanced) Lift loads across

obstacles

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WHEN YOU LIFT

Do Not Lift while reaching or

stretching Lift from an uncomfortable

posture Fight to recover a dropped

object (let it go!)

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One-handed Lift

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Twisting

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REMEMBER!

Your work day is one third of your total day Plan your tasks carefully to avoid a painful

back Managing your back is your responsibility

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General Safety Rules

Make your safety your first consideration in every situation.

Keep your work area clean and free from loose objects, stumbling or slipping hazards (including electrical wires from equipment).

Be aware of walking surfaces. Extra care is needed on wet or icy surfaces.

Never leave an unsafe condition unmarked or unguarded.

Always post “wet floor” signs when needed.

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General Safety Rules (continued)

Wear adequate shoes that are not open and that give good support and slip resistance.

Never use broken or damaged ladders or other equipment.

Ladders in front of doors should be marked or posted with warning barricades.

Use care when working on stairways. Be cautious when working to keep from tripping over

equipment such as buckets, vacuum cleaners, and other tools.

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Electrical Safety

Always check electrical cords, tools, or equipment before using. Damaged equipment should be pulled from service.

Any equipment that sparks, stalls or runs hot should be checked out.

Avoid wearing excessive jewelry when performing electrical tasks.

Do not block fire service panels. Extension cords should only be used temporarily.

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