In California, all employers mu evention Program that includes employee training in safe work practices. To enable its insured employers to fulfill their workp responsibilities, State Fund has produced an extensive selection of Safety Sheet topics in English with Spanish translations. The for use in on-the-job safety training meetings (best held at the beginning of the shift, right after lunch, or after a break) to educ zards and prevent work-related injuries and illnesses. A record of the safety meeting—stating the date, safety topic, attendees, and recommendations or additional comments—should be kept on file for the duration of each attendee’s employment.

e22057 (Rev. 02/13) © 2013 State Compensation Insurance Fund

Safety SheetState Fund

Preventing Strains and SprainsLifting, pushing, and overreaching are common causesstrains and sprains. Any job that requires you to sit or sbent in an awkward position for long periods of time ccause excess stress and strain on muscles. Most strains and sprains affect the back, arms, and shoulders. Howethere are some very simple things you can do to preve

of tand an

ver, nt or

minimize body strains and sprains.

Many strains and sprains occur because of poor material handling. Workers lift things that weigh too much or they lift incorrectly. y bending your knees, not your back. Car o your body. Injuries can occur when workers t a heavy or awkward object without help o while twisting from the waist. When carrying a load, avoid bending or lifting upward unnecessarily. Keep as much of the load as you can at waist level.

Get help with heavy loads. Don’t try to move or lift an object you can’t handle. Instead of lifting a 75-pound load, break it down into smaller parts. If you can’t break it down, get help from a mechanical device or lift it with another worker. Make sure moving equipment works properly or it will cause you to strain unnecessarily just trying to get it to work. If the wheels on a cart are not aligned, you could strain your arms, shoulders, and back trying to move it.

Change your working positions frequently. Chronic strain due to an unchanging work position can weaken your back, arms, and shoulders. Adjust working heights to prevent slumping or excessive reaching. A vicious cycle develops when chronic strain continues; muscles become less able to withstand strenuous activity and grow more prone to injury of all kinds. Stretch during the day to increase your flexibility. Take body relaxation breaks by letting your shoulders and neck muscles go limp; swivel your head or arms or flex your hands and fingers.

Take care of your whole body with exercise, proper posture, a s uate rest. If your muscles or lig ed over time from lack of exercise or to get a strain or sprain than if you are physically fit.

Lift correctly bry loads close t try to pull or lifr lift an object

ensible diet, and adeqaments have weaken age, you are more apt

st have an Injury and Illness Prlace safety and health training

informative topics are intended ate employees on potential ha