30 Aug Material Handling Safety – Preventing Lifting and Handling Injuries

Material Handling Safety – Preventing Lifting and Handling Injuries

Material handling safety begins with planning each lift before moving the load. Improper lifting, awkward loads, poor housekeeping, pinch points, and failure to use available material-handling equipment can result in strains, sprains, crushed fingers and feet, falls, and other serious injuries.

Before lifting or carrying anything, evaluate the load, the travel path, and how the material will be handled. If the load is too heavy, bulky, or awkward to handle safely, get assistance or use appropriate mechanical equipment.

Before Lifting

Take a few moments to evaluate the task before beginning:

• Inspect the load for sharp, jagged, rough, or protruding edges.
• Wear appropriate gloves when handling materials that could cut, puncture, or abrade the hands.
• Determine the approximate weight, size, shape, and stability of the load.
• Decide whether you can safely handle the load alone.
• Get assistance when a load is too heavy or awkward for one person.
• Use a cart, dolly, hand truck, forklift, hoist, or other mechanical aid whenever practical.
• Inspect the travel path for debris, cords, slippery surfaces, elevation changes, or other trip hazards.
• Make sure there is adequate clearance through doorways, aisles, and other restricted areas.
• Clean oil, grease, mud, water, or other substances from the load when they could interfere with a secure grip.

Proper Lifting Technique

When manually lifting a load:

• Establish firm, stable footing before beginning the lift.
• Position yourself close to the load.
• Get a secure grip before lifting.
• Bend at the knees and hips rather than bending primarily at the waist.
• Lift smoothly using your legs while maintaining a stable posture.
• Keep the load close to your body.
• Avoid sudden or jerking movements.
• Do not twist while lifting or carrying. Turn by moving your feet.
• Make sure the load does not obstruct your view of the travel path.
• Set the load down carefully and maintain control until it is stable.

Never attempt to catch a heavy or falling load. Move clear and allow it to fall rather than risking a crushing or strain injury.

Protect Your Hands and Fingers

Material handling frequently creates pinch and crush points.

• Keep fingers away from the underside and edges of loads when setting them down.
• Watch for pinch points when passing through doors or narrow openings.
• Keep hands away from the ends of pipe, lumber, and other long materials where they could be crushed against walls or other objects.
• Coordinate movements and commands when two or more employees are carrying the same load.
• Use handles, lifting devices, or other aids when available.

Handling and Stacking Materials

Materials must be stacked and stored so they remain stable.

• Stack materials on a firm, level surface.
• Secure materials that could roll, slide, shift, or collapse.
• Use appropriate racks, pallets, blocking, or restraints.
• Do not exceed the capacity of shelving, racks, pallets, or material-handling equipment.
• Keep aisles and access routes clear.
• Do not climb on stored materials, pallets, shelving, or forklift forks to reach elevated materials.
• Never ride or stand on the forks of a forklift.
• When personnel must be elevated by powered industrial equipment, use only equipment and personnel platforms specifically designed and approved for that purpose and follow applicable procedures.

Housekeeping

Good housekeeping is an important part of material handling safety. Water, snow, ice, mud, grease, debris, and improperly stored materials can make carrying a load significantly more dangerous.

Keep floors, aisles, loading areas, and material-storage locations clean and orderly. Correct slippery conditions and remove obstacles before moving materials through the area.

Remember

Think before you lift. Know what you are moving, where it is going, and how you will get it there safely. Use mechanical assistance when practical, ask for help when necessary, protect your hands from pinch points, and keep the travel path clear.