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Need
Immediate
Assistance?
Call one of our Representatives now:
(860)
884-3122
<>
or
(860)
884-3132
info@ncstaffing.com
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Safety
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Lifting Guidelines
for
Back Safety
Back
injuries and discomfort are very common in the workplace. They occur
from improper lifting,reaching,
pushing, or pulling. Most often people hurt their backs because they
underestimate a
load and take on more than can be handled safely. Proper care of the
back involves planning
ahead, lifting correctly, and getting help for heavy or awkward loads.
Planning
Ahead
Before
moving a load it is important to plan both the load and the route. This
allows you to
evaluate hazards, limitations, route safety, and final placement. For
the load, evaluate the weight,
shape,
and material. Some items to check include:
•The item or individual to be moved: Do you need special
safety gear or
special
gloves?
•The load - are the size, shape, and weight within
you
limits?
Are there loose parts or
sharp edges?
•Can you get a firm hand hold? Will you be able to see over
the load and maneuver it
along the route?
•Assistance - What kind of assistance will you need?
Other
people or mechanical aids
like a dolly, cart, or
specialized
equipment determined by
the type of load?
The
route and placement site
The
second part of planning ahead is checking the route you will take and
the place where you
will deposit the load. Many injuries and considerable property damage
occur when unexpected
problems are encountered during the move. Some points to consider are:
•The route - Are there steps, tripping hazards, closed
doors, or tight doorways or
passageways? Are there blind
corners or wet or
slippery floors? What is the traffic
situation? Include people, vehicles and other obstacles that
you might encounter.
•The drop-off point - Where will you place the load? Is
there room for it? Is the
site strong
enough to hold the
load? Will it block
traffic or create a hazard when placed?
Is it the right
place to put the load or will it have to be
moved again?
Design
of the Back
The
back is composed of small bones, called vertebrae, that are stacked on
top of each other.
Between them are fibrous discs that provide padding and cushion shocks.
Nerves run down the
center and muscles hold it all together. Because of its structure, the
back is strongest in the
upright position with the natural curve maintained. It is weakest when
bent, extended, or twisted.
That's why most back injuries occur when reaching upward or outward, or
when twisting.The
best way to protect the back is to remember to keep it in vertical
alignment, straight up and
down. When lifting with the back upright, the weight naturally
distributes down the spine and to
the legs. Reaching forward or twisting to lift something does the
opposite: concentrates stress on
one point and strains the muscles and discs.
Lifting
Properly
Keeping the structure of the back
in mind, all loads should be lifted
with the back in the most natural, upright position. The load should be
approached to avoid twisting while lifting and with the body over the
load as much as possible.
•Approach the load -
Face the load so you won't have to
lift and
turn. This means
point your feet in the direction you
will be
moving the load
before lifting the load.
•Grasp the load -
Squat over the load with knees bent and
the load
between the legs as
much as possible. The closer
you keep
the load to the
body, the less stress it places on
your back.
Make certain you have a good grasp of the
load with
the whole hand. Wear gloves and check for
pinch
points and sharp
edges. If you can't get a good hand
hold,
stop and reevaluate
your move before lifting.
•Carry the load -
Lead with the feet as you carry the load
Turn
slowly with the legs,
not the back. Change grips
carefully and watch for
obstructions that could bruise the
hands.
•Place the load - Put
down the load with the same care
used to
pick it up. Plan
your approach to avoid twisting or
reaching
forward with the
load in hand. Squat to put it
down
just as you did to pick it up.
Since most back injuries arise from
underestimating the weight or
awkwardness of the load. Make certain to get help whenever you think
you might need it.
Special
Situations
A number of other things must be
considered when moving items or
patients:
•Team
lifting - When
more than one person is required to
lift a
load, designate one
person to call the directions and
the
lifting steps so
everyone will move at the same pace.
•Stacking - Overlap
and interlock rows and never stack
above
the crush height or
above the height limits for the
facility. Make certain the
base is clean and level and can
support
the weight.
•Drums - Use a lift
truck with drum forks or a drum dolly to
move drums. If
moving individual empty
drums, roll on the
side not
the rim and always
work on the down side of the
drum with
the hands on the
belly of the drum, not the rim.
•Cylinders -
Compressed gas cylinders are like bombs with
very
short fuses. The valve
must be protected by a proper
safety
cap. Move individual
cylinders with a special hand
truck and
walk cylinders only short distances to align
them.
They must be stored in
designated areas and
secured
with safety chains
or bars.
•Mechanical aids -
Often the best way to move loads is
with a
mechanical aid like a dolly,
hand truck, or rolling
cart. Choose
the right aid for the job
and inspect it before
use. Place
heaviest items on the
bottom with the weight
concentrated
between the wheels. Keep
hands away from
the edges so
they won t be scraped or
crushed at
doorways.
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