San Antonio ISD: Employee Benefits, Risk Management and Safety Department

Role and Purpose of Department Provide a safe and healthy working, learning environment Promote and improve safety behavior through training, inspections, and investigations Reduce and eliminate worker injury, property, and casualty losses Reduce claim-related costs and expenses Provide a safe and healthy working, learning environment Promote and improve safety behavior through training, inspections, and investigations Reduce and eliminate worker injury, property, and casualty losses Reduce claim-related costs and expenses

Department Meet the New Team: Olga Robledo – Manager Michael Gilbert – Specialist Tywanda Walker – Specialist Vernon Winters – Specialist Meet the New Team: Olga Robledo – Manager Michael Gilbert – Specialist Tywanda Walker – Specialist Vernon Winters – Specialist

PROPER LIFTING

When Lifting… Keep your spinal column aligned in its natural curves. Prop one foot up on a stool or foot rest to reduce stress in your lower back.

The Main Causes of Back Injury Poor posture Improper body mechanics Obesity and poor nutrition Not using proper tools or equipment Working in fast paced or stressful environments Poor posture Improper body mechanics Obesity and poor nutrition Not using proper tools or equipment Working in fast paced or stressful environments

1. How to Lift Safely Stand close to the load with your feet spread apart about shoulder width with one foot slightly in front of the other for balance.

2. How to Lift Safely Squat down bending at the knees (not your waist). Tuck your chin while keeping your back as vertical as possible.

3. How to Lift Safely Get a firm grasp of the object before beginning the lift.

4. How to Lift Safely Begin slowly lifting with your legs by straightening them. NEVER TWIST YOUR BODY DURING THIS STEP!!!

5. How to Lift Safely Once the lift is complete, keep the object as close to the body as possible.

Two/Three Person Lifting Decide who will be in charge BEFORE you begin the lift, and what commands will be used.

Lifting Above Your Shoulders? Use a stool, ladder or platform.

How to Prevent Back Injuries? Exercise Eat right Stretch as often as possible Reduce stress

How to Prevent Back Injuries? Use appropriate tools

Lift with Common Sense Assess the situation: Is the load big, bulky, or heavy? Do I need help? Is your pathway cleared of obstacles before moving?

Reminder Warm up. Stretch your legs and back before lifting. Look before you lift. Look before you carry. Look while walking. Look where you are putting down your load. Avoid walking on slippery, uneven surfaces. Avoid horseplay.

Always Think Safety!

For more information: Employee Benefits, Risk Management and Safety Department 141 Lavaca San Antonio, TX Olga Robledo, Manager