Safety Training proper lifting Creating another healthy habit!

did you know….

the back is the body part most frequently injured

four out of five people will experience back pain in their lifetime

in lost work days, back injuries are second only to the common cold

what do you need to ask yourself before lifting? Thinking and Planning Before Lifting Proper lifting technique is critical to back safety, but perhaps it is more important to think about what you are lifting and planning your action first: Do you need to lift the item manually? How heavy is it? Do you need help? Where are you moving the item from? Where does it have to go? What route do you have to follow?

8 major causes of back injury

1. poor posture Poor posture – slouched sitting, lifting, bending, reaching with you back bowed

2. improper lifting technique Improper Lifting Technique – both for sudden trauma and a cumulative injury

3. overexertion Overexertion – surprising your back with too much weight or awkward size load

4. medical factors Medical Factors – age, disabilities, obesity, lack of proper rest, poor nutrition, etc.

5. slips and falls Slips and Falls – failure to account for slippery surfaces, improper shoes, etc.

Poor Conditioning – lack of proper exercise and/or warm-up

7. loss of flexibility Loss of flexibility – inability to deal with unexpected twisting or jerking movements

8. stress Stress – trying to lift when in a hurry, preoccupied, upset or distracted

the eight commandments of lifting

1. Plan your lift and test the load Plan your lift and test the load – Before you lift, think about the item you are going to move and ask yourself, “Can I lift this alone?” Is it too awkward for one person? Is the path clear? Also, test the load to see approximately how heavy it is before lifting. 1. Plan your lift and test the load

Ask for help – if the load is too heavy or too awkward for you to lift, ask for assistance.

Get a firm footing – Keep your feet apart for a stable base and point your toes outward.

Bend your knees – Don’t bend at the waist Bend your knees – Don’t bend at the waist. Keep the principles of leverage in mind at all times. Don’t do more work than necessary. 4. bend your knees

5. tighten your stomach muscles Tighten your stomach muscles – Use intra-abdominal pressure to support your spine when you lift, offsetting the force of the load. Train your muscles to work together. 5. tighten your stomach muscles

Lift with your legs – Let your leg muscles do the work of lifting Lift with your legs – Let your leg muscles do the work of lifting. Don’t rely on the weaker back muscles. 6. lift with your legs

Keep the load close – Don’t hold the load away from your body Keep the load close – Don’t hold the load away from your body. The closer it is to your spine, the less force it exerts on your back. 7. keep the load close

Keep your back upright – Whether lifting or putting down the load, don’t add the weight of your body to the load. Avoid twisting. 8. keep your back upright

time to practice the correct way to lift

time to practice stretching exercises

quiz time

Enjoy creating another healthy habit!