GT Drumline

Strains and sprains account for a majority of workplace injuries and lost work time. These injuries are often caused by how we lift, lower, push, pull or carry and position ourselves to perform our work. These injuries can happen over a period of time or take only a moment to cause us many painful days or months to heal. Preventing strain and sprain injuries is a lot easier than correcting them. You can make material handling tasks less demanding by following a few simple principles. 1. Keep it close and keep the curves If you have a load at arms reach, it is 7 to 10 times heavier on your back than if you keep it close. Reaching and bending to lift can also flatten the natural curves of your back, making it weaker. 2. Build a bridge If you bend over to pick something up you are beco employment law advice for employers ming a one-sided bridge. Imagine a drawbridge coming down with no place to connect it on the other end, its going to snap off. Connect the bridge on the other side by using a hand for support. If you are lifting with two hands and put one foot forward, what have you done? Youve built a bridge! 3. Feet first Movements of strength start with your feet, not with the upper part of your body. By stepping toward your work you eliminate reaching, twisting and you put less demand on your back. It is critical to try to create an environment that helps you achieve these principles and helps you take care of your back. Some of the ways to do that are making sure that you use some of the available assistive devices such as pallet jacks or dollies in your work area. Getting help is a huge factor.