Lifting injuries are an unfortunately common injury in the workplace. It’s been a long day, you’re in a hurry, you’re up against a deadline. Those are all common events in the workplace.Lifting and lowering tasks can cause serious injury if not preformed properly. It’s such a common activity, we often forget the proper technique to use.
Safe Lifting Tips
Before lifting an object, estimate it’s weight by tilting it up slowly. If it’s hard to move, it’s too heavy to lift. Get help or use a lifting aid. When in doubt, ask for help. Make sure to always clear away any potential obstacles before carrying the object.
Get under the load by bending your knees, not your back. Bending over at the waist to reach for the object puts strain on your back, shoulder and neck muscles. Avoid bending and twisting at the same time when possible. When lifting, hold the item or load as closely to your body as possible. Carrying objects will change your balance. Keeping the load close to your body helps maintain your normal center of balance. Make sure to support and propel the object while carrying it. Your grip should be firm.Use good foot positioning keeping your feet shoulder width apart.
To lower the object, bend your knees as you did to pick it up. To place the load on a bench or shelf, set it on the edge and slide it into position. Make sure your hands and feet are clear when lowering the load.
Team Lifting
When another person is helping you lift, teamwork is very important. If you are carrying the load to another location, make sure to coordinate this prior to lifting the load. Lifting and lowering should be done in unison as you don’t want to suddenly drop the load without warning.
Proper lifting methods protect against lifting injuries to yourself and others. Suffering an injury will not only affect you personally in your personal and business life, but it will also affect your employer and coworkers. Take some time to practice proper lifting techniques and they will become routine.
In the unfortunate event of an injury at home or work do you know what kind of chiropractor or doctor benefits you have? Contact us today if you need help reviewing your health insurance or other employee benefits.
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