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Material Handling and Back Safety Training: For Better Viewing, Please Select Slide Show
Material Handling and Back Safety Training: For Better Viewing, Please Select Slide Show
Gary Beaudette Safety Officer Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management For better viewing, please select slide show
Some information provided by Oklahoma State University
Introduction
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than one million workers suffer back injuries each year, and back injuries account for one of every five workplace injuries
One fourth of all compensation claims involve back injuries, which cost employers billions of dollars
Material Handling and Lifting Injuries are exceedingly painful, difficult to heal, and have an effect on everything you do
After suffering just one back injury, you are much more likely to experience another one later on It is important to learn how to avoid injuring or re-injuring your back
Objectives
At the end of this presentation, you should be familiar with the following topics:
Forces involved with lifting Risky moves associated with lifting Contributing factors to materials handling/lifting injuries Injury prevention Proper lifting procedures Using the Calculator For Analyzing Lifting Operations Body Management Work-specific training requirements
However, if you shift the fulcrum to one side, it takes much more force to lift the same object. Your waist actually acts like the fulcrum in a lever system, and it is not centered. In fact, it operates on a 10:1 ratio. Lifting a ten pound object actually puts 100 pounds of pressure on your lower back.
Risky Moves
Certain actions are more likely to cause back injuries than others. Anytime you find yourself doing one of these things, you should think: DANGER! My back is at risk!
The further you bend, and the more you extend your arms, the more significant the risk of injury!
the walkway
important to recognize your physical limitations and abilities. Many people have injured their backs because they were afraid to ask for help.
Raise / lower shelves. The best zone for lifting is between your shoulders and your waist. Put heavier objects on shelves at waist level, lighter objects on lower or higher shelves.
You can't always avoid lifting, but there are ways to reduce the amount of pressure placed on the back when you do so By bending the knees, you keep your spine in a better alignment, and you essentially take away the lever principle forces.
Instead of using your back like a crane, you allow your legs to do the work.
Take a balanced stance with your feet about a shoulder-width apart. one foot can be behind the object and the other next to it. Squat down to lift the object, but keep your heels off the floor. Get as close to the object as you can. Keep your back straight.
Use your palms (not just your fingers) to get a secure grip on the load. Make sure you'll be able to maintain a hold on the object without switching your grip later.
Lift gradually (without jerking) using your leg, abdominal and buttock muscles and keeping the load as close to you as possible. Keep your chin tucked in so as to keep a relatively straight back and neck line. Once you're standing, change directions by pointing your feet in the direction you want to go and turning your whole body. Avoid twisting at your waist while carrying a load. By following these lifting guidelines and by practicing good body/back management, you can prevent back injuries on the job and at home.
Reduce the amount of weight lifted. If you're moving a bunch of books, better to load several small boxes than one extremely heavy load Keep a clear view ahead when carrying/moving a load. Never carry a load in front of your face as it forces you to lean or twist and upsets your balance Use handles and lifting straps Push a dolly or cart in a linear motion. Never pull, as it forces you to twist at the waist! Get help if the shape is too awkward or the object is too heavy for you to lift and move by yourself!
Use the Calculator For Analyzing Lifting Operations Form. on next slide
Easy to use formula based on factors such as the weight to be lifted, at what position you begin the lift from, the frequency of lifting, and if twisting is involved Simple result lets you know if lifting the load could be hazardous or not
It's important to know your body's limitations, and it's important to be aware of your body position at all times Learn to recognize those situations where your back is most a risk: bending, lifting, reaching, twisting, etc. Then take measures to avoid an injury by using this training whenever you handle or lift materials
Finally.
Dont forget the 4 most common causes of back injury
Your job may require the use of specialized tools or equipment, not mentioned in this lesson, to help facilitate the handling and movement of materials Training is available for material handling activities specific to YOUR work area!
Actual hands-on training and practice, where the content of this course is applied, should be completed as soon as possible.
Call us to schedule. 474-5413
NOTE: There is no need to contact EHS&RM to let us know you have finished the quiz. fysafety@uaf.edu is checked throughout the day, and your score will be electronically filed for future reference.