Proper Lifting Techniques

Improper Lifting Techniques

Introduction Back injuries account for nearly 20% of all injuries in the workplace 8 out of 10 Americans will suffer Back injuries account for 93 million lost work days each year-2nd only to the common cold Worker’s compensation costs of up to $20 billion each year Back injuries increase with age, fitness level and weight

Common Causes Trying to lift too much weight Reaching and lifting Twisting and bending while lifting

Common Causes Carrying awkward objects Working in awkward positions Sitting or standing too long

Proper Lifting Techniques Choose and Test

Proper Lifting Techniques Step One Test the load to get an indication as to how heavy the object is

Proper Lifting Techniques Step Two Stand close to the load with your feet spread apart about shoulder width, with one foot slightly in front of the other for balance

Proper Lifting Techniques Step Three Squat down bending at the knees (not your waist). Keep your back straight

Proper Lifting Techniques Step Four Get a firm grasp of the object before beginning the lift

Proper Lifting Techniques Step Five Begin slowly lifting with your legs by straightening them. NEVER twist your body during this step

Proper Lifting Techniques Step Six Once the lift is complete, keep the load close to your body to prevent straining the lower back. If you must turn while carrying the load, turn using your feet-not your torso.

Proper Lifting Techniques Step Seven To place the object below the level of your waist, follow the same procedures in reverse order.

Proper Lifting Techniques

Proper Lifting Techniques – Slo Mo

Alternatives to Lifting Ask for help Use a cart, dolly, other equipment (Easier on back to Push than Pull)

Summary 8 out of 10 Americans will suffer a back injury at sometime in their life Use carts, dollies and other lifting devices Ask for assistance Stand close, squat with back straight, use legs, don’t twist, turn using your feet If you can, think back to being a 19-month old and use those same proper lifting techniques!

Slips, Trips and Falls Images from Google Images

Common Causes

220,000 cases with days away from work – NSC Common Causes 220,000 cases with days away from work – NSC

Common Causes - Ladders

Prevention - Ladders

Common Causes - Cords

Prevention - Cords

Common Causes - Spills

Prevention - Spills

Common Causes – Stairs, Curbs and Ramps

Prevention – Stairs, Curbs and Ramps

Common Causes – Lots and Walkways

Prevention – Lots and Walkways

Common Causes – Entrances

Prevention – Entrances

Common Causes – Texting While Walking

Prevention – Texting While Walking

Summary If you have them, use them! If you don’t have them, get ready to have them!

Skin Care Images from Google Images

Remember?

Harmful Effects of the Sun According to the Cleveland Clinic, the sun’s most serious threat is that it is the major cause of skin cancer, which is now the most common of all cancers. Doctors believe that most skin cancers can be avoided by preventing sun damage.

Harmful Effects of the Sun Nothing can completely undo sun damage that we experienced as kids, although skin can somewhat repair itself, especially with on-going sun protection. So, it’s never too late to begin protection from the sun.

Prevention Always wear sunscreen – a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater. Apply sunscreen often when you are in the water.

Prevention Avoid the sun in the middle of the day if possible, from 10 am to 3 pm. A tough sell on a 90 degree-plus day with dew points in the 70s, but strive to wear long pants, long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat if outside.

Prevention Wear sunglasses Sunscreen can be our new scent for employees!

Questions?