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Tips
for Lifting Safety
Thousands of workplace injuries occur every year due to poor lifting
techniques. This statistic especially applies to workers within warehouse
environments, where lifting heavy objects is commonplace. Unnecessary
accidents and injuries can easily be avoided by educating employees
on best lifting practices.
The good news is proper lifting techniques are not hard to learn. Many
of the steps are common sense, and with practice can become habitual.
When lifting heavy objects, employees should be encouraged to implement
the following steps:
Safety Checklist
- Plan the lift. Before lifting, scope out the load
and make sure it is something you can handle. Decide on your route,
and how you will lift the object. If the object is too heavy, do not
lift it. Either split it up into smaller loads, or ask for help. If
the object is too heavy for two people to lift, use lifting equipment,
such as a forklift.
- Wear protective gear. To protect your hands and
feet, make sure you wear protective gear such as boots and gloves.
- Prepare for the lift. Keep the object you are lifting
as close to your body as possible. Do no twist your back as you lift,
instead move your feet. Avoid quick movements. To ensure balance,
walk with a wide stance and make sure weight is evenly distributed
between both arms. At all times, your feet and body should be facing
the same direction as you are lifting the object.
- Out-of-reach objects. If the object is too high
or too low, use the proper equipment to get within reach of the object.
Pull the object as close as possible to you. All range of motion should
happen with your arms or your legs. Your back and stomach should stand
in a firm position at all times.
- Take breaks. If you are lifting heavy objects throughout
the day, make sure you take breaks. If you are lifting a heavy single
load, take breaks in between and stretch as needed.
- Exercise. Strengthen your back and abdominals with
regular exercise. Watch your weight – extra pounds will place extra
strain to your back. Whenever you need to lift an object, make sure
you stretch for a few minutes beforehand to warm up your muscles.
Fortunately, there are many ways employers can help simplify the lifting
process for their employees. For example, they can help by reducing lifting,
lowering, and carrying distances. They can also provide lifting equipment,
such as forklifts. Asking for help with a lift should always be encouraged,
as well as displaying Lifting Safety Posters throughout the workplace so employees have a constant
reminder of safe techniques.
Overview
Improperly lifting heavy objects can lead to serious injuries. Considering
how easy it is for employers to educate and enforce proper techniques,
implementing safe lifting in your workplace should be a no-brainer. Not
implementing safe routines leads to unnecessary accidents, days off, rising
insurance premiums, and ultimately the health and vitality of your workforce.
Employers should create an environment where safety is second nature to
employees. Plan to routinely enforce safe habits, and make it a condition
of employment. Employees should understand that their employment is contingent
on following safety rules, and that consequences exist if rules are violated.
When you create an environment where safety is the top priority, you can
prevent, if not eliminate, accidents and injuries altogether.
The article within offers an overview on the importance of proper lifting
techniques within the retail industry. If you require expertise on individual
workplace circumstances, seek the appropriate legal counsel.
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