1. LIFTING
In spite of the increased use of machinery and equipment in construction work, most of
the materials put into a structure are moved by hand during some phase of its building.
The human body is subject to severe damage in the form of back injuries and hernia if
caution is not observed in this handling process. Each worker should know the proper
method of lifting heavy objects.
The general guidelines
for lifting are;
Get a good footing.
Place feet about shoulder width apart.
Bend at the knees to grasp the weight.
Keep the back straight.
Get a firm hold.
Keep the back as straight as possible.
Lift gradually by straightening the legs.
When the lift is too heavy or bulky for you to lift
comfortably - GET HELP!
When putting the load down, reverse the procedure.
Remember: LIFT PROPERLY - THINK.
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2. THE
DANGEROUS FOUR
1. Handling Materials
2. Machinery
3. Falls
4. Falling or Moving
Objects
These four kinds of
accidents cause more than two out of three work injuries!
Handling Materials -
Nearly a half million disabling injuries on the job every year - most of them back
injuries. Of every one hundred workers hurt, twenty-three are handling materials.
Lift this way;
1. Check weight and
size - A bulky, awkward load can cause more strain than a compact, heavier one.
2. Plant your
feet firmly Well apart and squat down.
3. Watch for
sharp edges - Get a good grip before lifting.
4. Keep your
back straight - Lift slowly (don't jerk) by pushing up with your legs.
5. Don't twist your
body with the lead - Shift your feet.
Is the load too big, too
long, too heavy? If in doubt, consult your supervisor.
Weak Spot: Acute
bending is the weak spot in the defense against back strain. LIFT WITH YOUR LEGS!
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3. How
To Lift
Row many of you have been instructed on the proper method of lifting? Recently a
considerable number of construction workers have reported to
First Aid with back
strains - many of which were the result of improper lifting. Since there is a right way to
do everything, let's make sure that each of you is instructed as to the right way of
lifting. Back strain and hernia are likely to develop if we bend at the waist when we lean
over to pick up a heavy or awkward object or piece of material. As we all know; such
injuries are not only very painful, they often have serious and lasting consequences.
First there's always the
chance of something slipping and landing on your toes. Always make sure that they are
protected by safety shoes. When lifting objects that have rough or sharp edges, make sure
that you have a pair of good tough gloves. The safe way to lift, as you've heard dozens of
times, is "bend the knees; keep the back straight." This is necessary because,
if you bend at your waist and lean over with your back horizontal, the load is too a far
from the center of balance. All the strain is on the lower back muscles, which aren't
built to take it. The result can be a sprained back or worse injury
By "bending your
knees" we don't mean to squat until you sit on your heels. You won't have any leg
power to raise a load from that position. Your position at the start of the lift should be
more of a crouch, so the power of your leg muscles can be exerted. When we say, "Keep
the back straight," we don't mean straight up like a flagpole for you'd be balance.
We mean reasonably straight, so the back muscles won't be doing all the work.
The most important rules
to remember for safe lifting are these:
1. Wear gloves when handling rough
equipment or material
2. Be sure of a good grip and good
footing
3. Keep the load close to the body
4. See that your fingers and toes are in
the clear
5. Bend your knees and use your leg
muscles
6.Don't twist your body while lifting
7. Don't 'try to lift or carry a load
that's beyond your physical ability - get help!
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4. HOW
TO LIFT PROPERLY
One out of every four work injuries results from materials handling.
But you say that's not a
part of your job. The trouble is that many of those who are injured get hurt because they
LIFT and PUSH and PULL when it's NOT a part of their job.
So go easy on the heavy
work.
DON'T BUST IT -
BUSTER!
Whether it's a part of
your job or not, sooner or later you're going to lift something. So you may as well do it
right.
First . . . look at what
you're lifting. If the load has sharp edges, slivers, protruding nails or is slippery, you
should know about it before you hold it in your hands. Find out how heavy it is. Check the
footing to be sure that the floor is clear.
Now you're ready to lift.
Bend your knees, keep your feet apart, get a good grip. Lift by straightening your legs
with your back vertical, so that your strong leg muscles do all the work.
When you carry a load,
watch where you're going. Don't skin your knuckles at doorways and tight places.
Don't try to change the
position of a load while you're carrying it. Set it down or rest it against some object,
and then readjust your grip.
You set it down the way
you picked it up - by bending your knees, with your back straight up and down, but don't
set it on your hands, Put down one corner of the load first and then slide your hands
away.
That's the way to get it
from there to here.
To lift a load shoulder
high or above your head first lift it waist high, rest it on a support and change your
grip. Then bend your knees to get added power for the big push.
Lots of objects, like
lots of people, have strange and assorted shapes.
Sacked materials should
be grasped by diagonal corners and swung to the shoulder with a boost from the knee.
Drums or barrels should
be rolled with your hands against the sides. Grasping the ends with your hands can mean
crushed fingers - using your feet can mean crushed toes.
Take a long hard look at
a load before you lift it. If it's too heavy or bulky, get someone to help you. It's
quicker and easier and safer.
Long objects, regardless
of weight, should be carried by two or more persons when possible, walking in step. If you
handle it alone, keep the front end as high as possible. Long objects can easily sway up
and down or sideways, and it's no trick at all to smash someone's head or a window.
If you get help before
you try to lift you will not need help afterward.
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5. LOOK
BEFORE YOU LIFT
Use spine-saving methods whenever there are things to be hoisted and handled. Before
you bend down and give with the old heave-ho, ask yourself some questions:
What kind of a load is it? How heavy? How
awkward?
Is it smart to get help? Can it be done
with available mechanical equipment? Is it in a good position? Can I get close
to it?
Any protruding nails? Splinters? Oil?
Grease? Moisture to make it slippery? Sharp edges? Do I need gloves or other protection?
Where will I put the load? Is a spot
cleared for it? Any sturnbling blocks in my path?
Can I walk with the load and see clearly
where I'm going?
HERE'S HOW TO SPARE YOUR SPINE
1 - Footing is as important in lilting as
it is in the batter's box. Feet close to the object; far enough apart for good
balance (about shoulder-width apart). One foot slightly ahead of the other seems best for
many.
2 Bend knees, go down to a crouch, but
not a full squat. It takes double the effort to straighten up a full squat as it does from
a crouch. fr;m Keep back as straight as possible; don't arch it.
4 - Get a good, firm grip; no lifting
until your hold is strong and slip-proof.
5 - Lift object by straightening your
legs, keeping load close to you as you come up.
6 - If you have to change direction,
don't twist body Lift object to carrying position, then turn your whole body by changing
position of your feet
7 - In setting load down, go down with
back straight knees bent, to a crouch.
BEWARE WHEN YOU'VE BEEN AWAY
Even if you're a rugged, seasoned lifter, remember that muscles quickly qet out of shane
during vacation, or a spell of illness. Be doubly careful those first few days back on the
job; ease into it gradually.
AND REMEMBER -
Whenever conveyors, hand and lift trucks, other mechanical-handling equipment can do the
job, let it take the strain and spare your spine
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