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2. PUSH OR PULL?
ERGONOMICS T
©2007 Bongarde

3. WHAT’S AT STAKE
Applying the wrong force, or the right force the wrong way, can result in musculoskeletal injuries

4. WHAT’S THE DANGER
Muscle strains and sprains, particularly back injuries
Losing control of equipment or materials

5. EXAMPLE: Emily has to move a large wheeled wastepaper “tote”
Pull the tote up the ramp
Back tends to hurt at the end of the day

6. EXAMPLE: Chris was moving pallets of furniture
Decided to pull the pallet jack behind him
Load behind him didn’t stop
Suffered a broken ankle

7. HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
Whenever possible, push.
You can PUSH harder than you can PULL
Facing the direction of travel while pulling means you have at least one arm behind you, twisting your back
Walking backward means you can’t see properly and are twisting your back and neck
Walking in front of the load means you’re at risk for being run over or crushed between your load and the obstacle

8. HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
Other ways to prevent injury:
Don’t overload yourself or your equipment
Move loads as short a distance as possible
Be able to see over your load
Handles should be at about hip height
Make sure equipment is in good condition

9. Never push your luck; don’t let an injury pull you off the job.
Final Word
Never push your luck; don’t let an injury pull you off the job.