Lift Safely - Avoiding back injury

Overview 
Sprains and strains to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the back are common injuries that are often avoidable. Be aware of the causes of back injuries and your lifting limitations. Remember, back injuries don’t just happen at work; they can happen at home, or while you’re out having fun. And, a back injury often limits all of your activities, so remembering a few pointers on lifting techniques can help keep you healthy. 

Avoiding back injury 

Poor posture can put stress on back muscles. 
Poor physical condition can lead to weak back muscles. Practice a regular exercise program to stretch and strengthen your back muscles. Bending or twisting while lifting can cause injury. Repeated minor strains can develop into an injury. Back injuries are not always caused by lifting something too heavy. Stress and tension can contribute to back pain. 

Size up the load. 
Test the weight by moving a corner of the object, and get help for heavy or awkward loads. Make sure that you have a clear path to carry the load, and a clear area to set it down. 

Stand with your feet close to the object, and center yourself over the load. Bend your knees. This is the single most important part of lifting. The large muscles in your legs are designed to carry weight, and bending your knees gets your legs ready to support the load. Get a good grip on the object. Clean and dry surfaces are easier to handle than wet and greasy ones. Straighten your legs to lift straight up in a slow, smooth motion. 

Keep the load held close to your body. 
Do not twist or turn while carrying the load. Sudden twisting motions can injure the disks in your back. Bend your knees again as you lower the load to set it down. 

Loads on carts or wheels should be pushed, not pulled. 
Get help for lifting items that are long, bulky, that don’t have a good place to grip, or are too heavy for one person. Know when mechanical lifting equipment should be used instead of manual lifting; follow your company’s guidelines for weight limits. If possible, divide a heavy load into several smaller ones.

Company Vehicle Safety Programs

 Driving a company vehicle is a privilege. Make sure you follow you company vehicle safety program.

What’s in a company vehicle safety program?
A company vehicle safety program should include 10 steps:
1. Management commitment and employee involvement.
2. Written policies and procedures.
3. Driver agreements.
4. Motor vehicle record checks for each driver.
5. Crash reporting and investigation procedures.
6. Vehicle selection, maintenance, and inspection procedures.
7. Disciplinary action system for violations of the program’s provisions.
8. Reward/incentive programs to promote safe driving.
9. Driver training and communication programs.
10. Regulatory compliance.

How can employees help the program?
Employees should be part of the program. Provide input as the program is developed and offer suggestions when it is reviewed.

The program will have many policies and procedures. Understand the program’s policies for seat belt use, reporting collisions and moving violations, restricting alcohol and drug use, driver eligibility requirements, vehicle inspections, collision investigations, disciplinary action, incentive programs, employee performance reviews, training program participation, etc. You may be asked to sign an agreement that you are aware of, understand, and will follow the vehicle safety policies and procedures.

Your employer may periodically review your motor vehicle record to make sure you are eligible to drive a company vehicle based on driver’s license restrictions, moving violations, accidents, etc. You must have a valid driver’s license.

You will be expected to inspect the company vehicle before each trip, and you must know how to report defects you notice while driving.

If you have moving violations,are involved in collisions, or if you violate the program’s policies, you may face disciplinary/corrective action. You could lose your driving privileges for certain violations of the program.

You should be rewarded for always driving safely or for otherwise helping the program be successful. Your driving performance might be part of your overall job performance evaluations.

When periodic driver safety training programs are offered, join in

Back Safety

 

Back disorders are listed in the "top ten" leading workplace injuries published by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. They account for 27 percent of all nonfatal injuries and illnesses involving days away from work. It's no wonder. Your back is a sophisticated piece of achinery made up of numerous muscles, bones, nerves, and supporting tissues. It's a machine you use every day, probably in ways you don't even notice. 

Just like the finest machinery, your back requires proper care to keep it working. If it's not working right, you'll suffer. An injured back affects your ability to move your limbs, your hips, your neck, and your head. 
Injuries to the back can be very debilitating, causing a lot of pain, time away from work, and often require physical therapy or even surgery. Everyone whose job involves stressful lifting or awkward postures is at risk for a back injury. Here are some tips to keep your back in optimum condition:

While lifting: 
• Don't bend over an object you are lifting. Bend your knees, squatting in front of the object to reach it. 
• Lift the object slowly and carefully, using your leg and arm muscles to lift, not pulling with your back. 
• Keep your head up and look straight ahead while making the lift. 
• While lifting, keep the object as close to your body as possible. 
• Keep abdominal muscles tight while making the lift. 
• Use the same techniques when you put the object down. 
• If the object is too big or too heavy to lift using these techniques, use mechanical assistance or get someone else to help. 

When reaching for objects: 
Do not reach for an object unless you're sure you're strong enough to lift it. 
• Use a stepladder to reach objects above shoulder height. 
• Avoid awkward stretches while reaching. These stress your back and could cause you to lose your balance. 
• Don't depend on structures to support you (e.g., a shelf support, a storage rack, etc.). These could easily give way if you pull or tug on them. 

Exercise also plays an important role in keeping your back strong, healthy, and flexible. A properly exercised back is less likely to be injured. Your physician, company medical personnel, or other heath-care provider 
can recommend the best exercises for you, taking into account your physical condition and the type of work you do. 

Always be alert for situations that could cause a back injury. Be kind to your back. Don't take unnecessary chances. By following proper lifting and reaching techniques and exercising properly, you'll help keep back 
problems behind you!