Safe Lifting Techniques to Prevent Injury Office of Engineering Safety Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) & The Dwight Look College of Engineering “A safe, healthful, and secure environment for scholarship and research.” Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1

Back Injuries The 2 nd most common workplace problem. Over one million employee back injuries annually. One out of every five workplace injuries & illnesses. 25% of all compensation indemnity claims. Average back injury costs $11,645 in medical claims & lost time wages. Largest source of pain & discomfort. Dramatic (negative) change in productivity & lifestyle. Most back injuries can be prevented.

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 Back Injuries 4/5 are to the lower back 3/4 occur while lifting Reduce risk by incorporating –Effective control program(s) –Ergonomic analysis –Design of work tasks –Mechanical assistance

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 Lever effect -- can magnify weight by factor of up to 10 (40 lbs.) (200 lbs.) Maximum Safe Lifting Weight = 51 lbs. National Safety Council 10 lbs. 100 lbs. Safe Lifting

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 Controls to Prevent Back Injury Engineering Controls Management Controls Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE)

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 Engineering Controls Engineering controls are used to redesign the workstation to minimize lifting hazards.

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 Management Controls Management controls include carefully selecting and training workers so that they can perform their jobs safely, and the implementation of safety rules, training programs, enforcement, etc.

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 Management Controls Management controls include: –Strength testing of existing workers can prevent up to 1/3 of all work-related injuries by discouraging the assignment of workers to jobs that exceed their strength capacities. –Physical conditioning or stretching programs to reduce the risk of muscle strain. –Training employees to utilize lifting techniques that place minimum stress on the lower back.

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 How to Lift Safely Before lifting, take a moment to think about what you're about to do. Examine the object for sharp corners, slippery spots or other potential hazards. Know your limit and don't try to exceed it. Ask for help if needed, or if possible, divide the load to make it lighter. Know where you are going to set the item down Make sure the location and your path are free of obstructions. Then follow these steps:

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 Step 1: Lift Safely Stand close to the load with your feet spread apart about shoulder width with one foot slightly in front of the other for balance

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 Step 2: Lift Safely Squat down bending at the knees (not your waist). Tuck your chin while keeping your back as vertical as possible.

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 Step 3: Lift Safely Get a firm grasp of the object before beginning the lift.

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 Step 4: Safe Lifting Begin slowly lifting with your LEGS by straightening them. Never twist your body during this step. Do not twist knees, elbows, shoulders, ankles, etc.

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 Step 5: Safe Lifting Once the lift is complete, keep the object as close to the body as possible. As the load's center of gravity moves away from the body, there is a dramatic increase in stress to the lumbar region of the back.

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 Step 6: Safe Lifting If you must turn while carrying the load, turn using your feet - not your torso. To place the object below the level of your waist, follow the same procedures in reverse order. Remember, keep your back as vertical as possible and bend at the knees.

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 Use Your Head and Save Your Back! STAND close to the load Bend your knees - not your back! Let your legs do the lifting Means using your head! Safe Lifting

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 Get Help with heavy or awkward loads! Use the right tools! Safe Lifting

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 Conclusion Using proper lifting techniques can help prevent downtime due to avoidable back injuries. With a little practice, precautionary methods such as these can become good daily habits that could help prevent back injuries-both on and off the job.

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 Remember No approach will completely eliminate back injuries. However, a substantial portion can be prevented by incorporating effective management controls and engineering controls.

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 8 Tips for Safe Lifting 1. Stand close to the load and center yourself over it with your feet shoulder width apart 2. Tighten your abdominal muscles 3. Keeping your back straight, bend your knees and squat down to the floor 4. Get a good grasp on the load with both hands

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 8 Tips for Safe Lifting 5. Keeping the load close to your body use your leg muscles to stand up lifting the load off the floor 6. Your back should remain straight throughout lifting, using only the muscles in the legs to lift the load

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 8 Tips for Safe Lifting 7. Do not twist your body when moving the load. Instead take small steps with your feet turning until you are in the correct position 8. Again bend at the knees using only your leg muscles and place the load in the appropriate spot

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 While carrying the load… Hold the load close so you can see over it. Keep the load balanced. Avoid twisting the body Watch out for pinch points -- doorways, etc. Face the way you will be moving. Safe Lifting

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 For those Awkward Moments... If you must lift or lower from a high place: Stand on a platform instead of a ladder Lift the load in smaller pieces if possible Push the load to see how heavy and stable it is. Slide the load as close to yourself as possible before lifting up or down. Get help when needed to avoid an injury. Safe Lifting

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 From hard-to-get-at places... Get as close to the load as possible Keep back straight, stomach muscles tight Push buttocks out behind you. Bend your knees Use leg, stomach, and buttock muscles to lift Not your back! Safe Lifting

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 Many tasks require lifting including document filing loading paper into copiers retrieving materials from low shelves moving computers & equipment Trying to avoid lifting isn't always possible. The main thing to remember is how to lift safely and reduce the risk of strain and injury. Safe Lifting Techniques

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 The correct position is a balanced stance with the feet about a shoulder-width apart. One foot can be behind the object and the other next to it. Squat down to lift the object and keep the heels off the floor. Get the object as close to the body as possible. Never lift with the fingers. Use the palms to get a secure grip on the load. Before lifting, make sure the grip is secure. Safe Lifting Techniques

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 Lift gradually and smoothly without jerking. Using the legs, abdominal and buttock muscles to lift, keep the load as close to the body. The chin should be tucked in to keep a relatively straight back and neckline. Holding the lifted object in the standing position, change directions by pointing the feet towards the desired area and turn the whole body. Avoid twisting at the waist while carrying a load. To put down a load, use the same guidelines in reverse. Safe Lifting Techniques

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 When performing heavy and/or repetitive lifting tasks, take it slowly if possible. Recovery time between lifts should be allowed to prevent overstressing. Remember! Don’t overdo it Get assistance when needed. Use material handling equipment (MHE) whenever it is available. Safe Lifting Techniques

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 Avoid lifting when possible. Spare your back the stress and strain of lifting and bending. Raise or lower shelves. Between the shoulders and waist is the best zone for lifting. Heavier and/or frequently used objects go on shelves at waist level and lower or lighter shelves contain lighter and/or less used objects. Do not store or place objects on the floor. Items that require moving or storing should be placed on a cart, table, or other elevated surface instead of the floor. This eliminates repetitive bending and reduces the risk of injury during the lift. Safe Lifting Techniques

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 Carts, hand trucks, and dollies should be used to move objects rather than carrying them. When using a cart, remember to push, not pull. Cranes, hoists, lift tables, and other lift –assist devices should be used whenever possible. If an employee must manually lift an object, there are ways to reduce the amount of pressure placed on the back. Lift gradually and smoothly without jerking. Bending the knees and using the legs, abdominal and buttock muscles to lift keeps the spine in better alignment. Keep the load as close to the body. The chin should be tucked in to keep a relatively straight back and neckline. Safe Lifting Techniques

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 Keep the load light. When moving multiple items, one extremely heavy load places the worker at a higher risk for injury than moving several small loads. Use handles and lifting straps for better gripping of objects. Always get help when lifting objects weighing more than 40 lbs and/or has a bulky or awkward shape Safe Lifting Techniques

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 Understanding how the back is built and how it functions can go a long way in reducing the risk of injury shape. The following information describes a healthy back’s anatomy and its function. Also included are tips for keeping the back healthy! Safe Lifting Techniques

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 The back is comprised of vertebrae, discs, nerves and muscles. Vertebrae, which numbers 33, are cylindrical bones stacked vertically together. They enclose the spinal cord and are separated by discs to form the spine or vertebral column. The spine’s basic functions include providing support and flexibility to allow bending and rotating of the torso and protecting the spinal cord. When normally aligned, the spine forms a the cervical, thoracic lumbar curves. Maintaining these natural curves keeps the spine in balance. Healthy discs, which are dense fibrous pads, lie between each vertebrae. Each disc contains a jelly-like center surrounded by rings of tough fibrous tissue. These discs act as “shock absorbers” during activities such as sitting, standing, walking, lifting, etc. Safe Lifting Techniques

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 Nerves are a collection of fibers, which carry electrical impulses throughout the body. The spinal cord stretches the length of the spine through the vertebral column. Smaller nerves branch out between the vertebras to carry messages around the body. Muscles, which provide support and contract to produce movement, are tissues in the body. Ligaments, bands of fibrous tissue that connect the bones or cartilage together, support and strengthen joints. Tendons, which attach muscle to bone, are fibrous cords of connective tissue. Safe Lifting Techniques

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 The leading risk factors for back injury include the following: (1) poor posture; (2) poor physical condition; (3) improper body mechanics; and (4) incorrect lifting. Safe Lifting Techniques

Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1 Tips for a Healthy Back People working in jobs that require high energy and repetitive lifting should take measures to condition their backs for injury prevention. 1.Take time to stretch your muscles before starting a task. This will reduce the risk of painful strains and sprains. 2.Take it slowly if the work requires repetitive lifting to moving of heavy and/or awkward objects. Allow more recovery time between lifts. Don’t overdo it. 3.Take frequent, short (micro) breaks. Stretch. Don’t use break time to smoke and stand in static positions. 4.Sleep on a firm mattress. The best sleeping position for many people is either on the back with the knees slightly elevated (by a pillow) or on the side with the knees slightly bent. 5.Strengthen the stomach muscles, lose a little weight (if overweight), and increase the body’s flexibility. A good conditioning program will go a long way in reducing the risk of injuries associated with lifting, carrying, and pushing/pulling tasks.

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Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1

Safe Lifting Techniques to Prevent Injury Office of Engineering Safety Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) & The Dwight Look College of Engineering “A safe, healthful, and secure environment for scholarship and research.” Safe Lifting Techniques: Lesson 1