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Safety & Compliance
> Safety Meeting Topics
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Proper
Lifting Techniques
The majority of work-related injuries in our industry
involve injuries to the back. This is often result of
improper lifting. Improper lifting can cause an immediate
back problem, or can contribute to accumulated trauma
and an eventual injury.
The spine is made up of many small bones called vertebrae.
In between each vertebra is a disc that acts like a
cushion between the bones. Improper lifting techniques
can place undue pressure on the discs, causing them
to be displaced and re-shaped, putting pressure on the
nerves in the spinal column. This results in pain that
can be quite severe and may require, at the least, rest;
at the worst, surgery.
When a person is standing straight, the back supports
approximately 80% of the body weight. In the case of
a 200-pound person, the back is supporting approximately
160 pounds. When we bend at the waist, the weight that
the back must support increases by six times (160 pounds
X 6 = 960 pounds).
If we lift while bent over, the weight we lift is magnified
by 6 times. A 45-pound weight, therefore, would cause
the back to lift the equivalent of 270 pounds (6 X 45
= 270). This 200 pound person, bending at the waist,
lifting 45 pounds, is actually putting the stress of
1230 pounds on his back. (960 pounds + 270 pounds =
1230).
The technique of proper lifting:
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Warm up before lifting; stretch with side and back
bends.
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Let your abdomen, legs and buttocks do the work.
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Get close to the load and place your hands under
the load.
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Bend your knees with feet slightly spread apart
for balance.
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Keep head, shoulders and hips in a straight line.
Do not twist. To change direction of a load, turn
your entire body, including your feet.
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Lift.
- Repeat
this exercise in reverse when putting the load down.
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When the load is too heavy, GET HELP.
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Push, rather than pull a load.
- Use
lifting equipment for heavier loads (fork lift,
hand truck, lift gate, pallet jack).
People
who lead a sedentary lifestyle are more prone to back
injury than those who lead a more active life. Walking,
stretching and light weight lifting exercises will help
to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles, which
will better prepare the back for the lifting that must
be done. If you are not now active, consult your physician
before beginning an active exercise program.
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Safety & Compliance