there has never been bad It’s time to focus on safety—but June is National Safety Month.This event is organized by National Security CouncilBring national attention to accident prevention.
Workplace safety starts with you. The best way to prevent accidents is to change behavior through education. By knowing the safest way to perform a task and always remembering to apply that knowledge, you can avoid harm (to yourself and others). This three-part series will discuss ways to stay safe at work.
Lifting and Handling Tips
Whether lifting weights is part of your routine or not, it’s important to know proper lifting technique. Improper body movement while lifting weights is responsible for thousands of work-related injuries each year. Don’t let this routine cost you doctor’s bills, lost wages, or even future job opportunities. Here are some tips to keep you and your back healthy when lifting weights.
Do:
- Check your paths. Beware of stairs, curbs, and other trip or slip hazards. Choose the straightest, cleanest route before lifting an object, even if it takes longer.
- If possible, make sure the weight of the object is stable and evenly distributed.
- Stand close to the object with your legs shoulder-width apart. Bend your hips and knees into a squat, keeping your feet flat. Check your footing. Pull the load closer to your body.
- Lift with your legs, not your back. Squat down close to the weight, keeping your back straight, then use your legs to slowly lift up.
No:
- Lift heavy weights if you have previously suffered joint injuries, are underweight or overweight, or have any medical problems such as heart disease or high blood pressure.
- Lift what you can’t easily lift.
- Lift over your shoulders. Instead, use a step stool or platform.
- Never bend over and lift with straight legs.
- Twisting body when lifting or carrying. Move your feet to change direction.
- Look down while lifting.
- Never lift from an unbalanced position. This means not being able to lift from one knee or reach over another object to pick something up.
This article is brought to you by UPMC WorkPartners. UPMC WorkPartners provides health and productivity solutions to high-performing companies across the United States. Services include an on-site health center, employee assistance services, leave management, commercial workers’ compensation, and more.
For more information on workers’ compensation or any of our UPMC WorkPartners services, please visit www.workpartners.com Or call 1-866-229-3507.