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Back Injury Prevention - Lesson 4 |
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PREVENTION TIPS SUMMARY
To prevent a back injury, how you lift an object is more
important that how much it weighs. If you do not lift
correctly, using the knees, even bending over or picking up a pencil
can result in a back strain or injury.
Before you start to lift:
- Examine the object to decide where and how to hold it.
- Check for grease, oil, moisture and sharp edges.
- Clear your path of obstructions and trip hazards.
- Know where and how you'll let the object down.
- Get help if you have any doubts about lifting the object.
General rules for lifting:
- Stand close to the object.
- Have a firm footing.
- Keep the back straight, but not too rigid and BEND at your hips.
- Squat down and straddle the load.
- Grasp the object firmly and be sure it won't slip.
- Lift with your leg muscles.
- Slowly straighten your legs as you lift.
- After legs are straightened, bring the back into a vertical position.
- Hold the object firmly and close to the body while moving.
- Never twist while carrying an object, turn with the feet instead of the back. Avoid sudden, jerky motions.
- Use the same motions to set the object down. Do not extend the arms too far away from the body to deposit the object.
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