Lift It Twice Most of you have heard the general rules of safe lifting. Remember to "Get a firm grip on the load, keep it close, bend at the knees, use your legs to lift the load, and keep your spine in the natural position (with an arch in your lower back)". These principles always apply and should be incorporated into every lift--if possible! Given the enormous number of "risky" lifting situations that you are faced with at your place of work, you may not be able to apply these principles every time. This is why you must always remember to...

Landscaper Safety A landscaper works outdoors to maintain and beautify the scenery. Their work involves tasks that could prove hazardous: electric and gas power tools, ladders, mowers, noise, sun, and weather exposure. It is prudent for landscapers to cultivate safety while they plant and prune the pansies. Landscapers use powered equipment such as trimmers, mowers, and chain saws to trim and prune grass and plants. Inspect these tools each time you use them to ensure that they are in proper working order. When using flammable fuels, ensure that the storage containers are approved for flammable liquids. Practice safe handling by limiting container...

Mobile Cranes Mobile cranes are responsible for the most accidents, injuries, and fatalities of all of the crane types. Be aware of the hazards if you operate or work around mobile cranes. Get proper training on crane operation and load preparation and securing. Wear hard hats, safety boots, and high visibility clothing when operating or working around cranes. Falling loads from mobile cranes pose a severe hazard to operators and nearby workers. Never exceed the load capacity of the mobile crane. If you are unsure about the load size and weight, calculate the weight to ensure that it meets your crane’s capacity....

Office Safety Many workers think that the office environment is the safest workplace. But, a safe office workplace requires hazard control, good housekeeping, and safe work practices. Arrange your office to allow clear walkways and aisles throughout the rooms and near exits. Attach tall and heavy office furniture to the wall to avoid tipovers in an earthquake. Do not store heavy items or hang pictures over your head in your office or cube. Close file cabinet drawers, file doors, and pull-out work tables when not in use. To avoid jamming your fingers or hands, make sure that cabinet and desk drawers do...

Proper Lifting Most of us forget the importance of our backs for the enjoyment of a normal, happy and successful life. However, the back contains one of the most critical muscle groups in the body, as well as the spinal cord and associated vertebrae and discs. Everyone working in the building industry must lift materials to either put them into place or to expedite from one location to another. Back injuries are cumulative; a lot of small injuries lead up to the big one. Therefore, it is important to remember the key elements of proper lifting. Guide for Discussion Preparing to Lift Do you...

Safe Lifting STOP and THINK before picking anything up – assess the object and its weight Use proper form when lifting and carrying – wide stance, bend at knees, tighten abs, head high, chin in Lift your load using a solid two-handed grip Make sure your path is clear before you proceed Lift with your legs not your back Keep weight close to your body Pivot with your feet, don’t twist your body Do not reach more than 10 inches from your body to lift or place an object If you can, push or pull instead of lifting Use your...

Safe Lifting Techniques Back injuries account for about one in every five job-related injuries in workplaces.  Disabling back injuries are no laughing matter for workers who lose time from work or from personal activities.  The sad truth is that most of the pain and lost time can been prevented if you are aware of how the back functions and how to lift safely to protect your back. The back is a network of fragile ligaments, discs, and muscles which can easily be thrown out of order.  The back’s complex design breaks down when it’s forced to perform activities it was not designed...

Back Injuries Get Your Workers Back in Control Jokes about nagging back pain get standup comedians a lot of laughs, but back injuries, strains and sprains are not at all funny, nor should they be an unavoidable curse to anyone. Back injuries suffered in workplaces last year ran up a bill of millions of dollars. Those disabling back injuries were no laughing matter for the workers who lost time from work or from their personal activities. The sad truth is that most of the pain and lost time could have been prevented if workers had been more aware of how their backs function...