Preventing Workplace Injuries
We move every day—whether at a comfortable desk job, a rigorous outdoor job, or spending a leisurely day at home. We lift, tug, hold, push, pull, and carry light, heavy, or awkward objects daily. If your work involves the manipulation of heavy objects, safe lifting is a critical part of your everyday focus. Let’s look at seven proven solutions for ergonomics and safe lifting–plus save on worker’s compensation costs for your company and avoid an ergonomics lawsuit.
Plan Your Move for Ergonomics and Safe Lifting
Before you bend over and lift a heavy object, be sure to warm up your back. Evaluate the weight, shape, and position of the object. Do you need help moving the object? Get help if necessary. If you think you can lift or move the load on your own, check your surroundings for obstacles, corners, slippery floors, clutter, etc. Check where the load is being transferred. Is that location clear and free of encumbrances? Will you need help getting the item to its destination?
The Lifting Squat
Most lifts involve squatting for optimum back protection. First, stand as close to the object as possible. Never bend and reach. Move your feet shoulder width apart. Like a weightlifter, tighten your stomach muscles then tuck your pelvis out. Bend at the knees, keeping your stomach tucked and your back straight.
Once you have a strong hold of the load, keep it close to your body and gradually straighten to a standing position. Avoid twisting motions as you lift.
There is a 10:1 ratio for every executed lift. So, if an object weighs 10 pounds, it takes your back 100 pounds of back pressure to lift it.
Carrying a Heavy Object
Continue holding the heavy object close to your body and center of gravity. If you must adjust your grip, place the box on a surface at a comfortable level then continue. You may need to return the item to its original location to start with a different grip. Avoid twisting and pivoting motions, and always keep both feet pointed in the same direction. Move carefully toward your destination and ensure that you can see past your load.
Unloading an Object
When you reach your destination, or if you need to regroup, follow the same directions when lifting, but in the reverse order.
- Slowly bend your knees.
- Lower the load with your back straight.
- Keep the weight close to your body.
- Watch your fingers and toes when setting the object down.
- If placing the object on a mid-level surface, rest it on the edge and push it forward with your body.
- Secure the item so that it doesn’t tip over, fall, roll, or block a pathway.
One-Arm Loads
You may encounter one-arm loading when carrying something with a handle (pails, buckets, toolboxes, etc.). Follow the same procedure when lifting a heavy object. Be sure to keep your shoulders level both while carrying the load and switching hands.
Overhead Loads
When lifting a load overhead, lighten the load whenever possible. Stand on something sturdy to decrease the lift distance. Slowly raise the object to above your shoulders and place it in its destination. To lower a heavy object from overhead, slide it close to your body, grasp it firmly, and slide it down your body before moving the object.
Team/Partner Lifting
Some objects are simply too heavy for one person to handle. If you need to get one or more others involved, follow these steps.
- Try to choose someone with a similar height and build.
- One person should direct the lift: “one, two, three…”
- As with a single-person lift, always keep the load level, and lift with your legs—not your back.
- Move smoothly and together.
- Set the load down in unison.
Follow this simple guide to reduce workplace strain and injuries due to lifting errors.
Does your job or your employees’ work require heavy lifting?
Call McClure Ergonomics Consulting TODAY to Assess your Ergonomics and Safe Lifting!