Think Before You Lift: Potential Hazards and Possible Solutions
Did you know that 80 percent of the population will experience a back problem at some point in their lives? U.S. statistics show that back injuries account for one of every five workplace injuries. In the UK, back pain is the second-most common cause of long-term absence from work. Heavy lifting is not something to take lightly.
So what can your company do to avoid contributing to these staggering statistics? Identify all potential hazards and come up with possible solutions for each scenario. OSHA identifies the following topics to consider when assessing hazards and solutions:
- Weight of Objects
- Awkward Postures
- High-Frequency and Long-Duration Lifting
- Inadequate Handholds
- Environmental Factors
The most effective means to communicate all potential hazards and possible solutions is through a company-specific safety program. To ensure proper measures are in place to protect workers, ISN Hiring Clients will require their contractors and suppliers submit their Manual Lifting Safety Program if they select an ISN Work Type(s) that requires personnel performing heavy lifting. Creating and adhering to a safety program is an important first step to reducing the risk of injury
In addition to the safety program, employers have an obligation to train their employees to ensure that the policies outlined in the manual are being followed in the workplace. To encourage safe workplaces, many Hiring Clients will require training documentation to show that at least one employee within the company is trained on each safety program.
When training your employees on Manual Lifting, it is important to highlight the following key points:
- Plan your lift. Make sure obstructions are removed from the area and plan for help, if needed.
- Bend at your knees to center balance and distribute weight.
- Hold the load as close to your body as possible. Keep the heaviest side next to the body.
- Do not bend your back, twist or lean sideways. Turn by moving your feet so that your torso, knees and feet are in alignment.
If you have any questions about how to build safety programs or about training documentation, please contact the ISN Customer Service Team.