Material Handling Injuries

Sprains and Strains

29 C.F.R., 1926 SUB PART H
and related 1910 issues

Created by Grace Fox of T.A.S. Commercial Concrete Construction, LP www.spin-safety.org

 Disclaimer
The information presented in this presentation has been compiled from
sources believed to be reliable and is intended to be a tool to assist and
guide you in building your own presentation. This program may not
address all the hazardous conditions or unsafe acts that may exist. For
that reason, SPIN cautions users to confirm accuracy and compliance
with the latest standards and best practices. Local, State/Provincial
and Federal regulations take precedence over this material.
Implementation of any practices suggested by this program is at your
sole discretion, and SPIN will have no liability to any party for any
damages including, but not limited to, direct, indirect, special or
consequential damages, arising out of or in connection with the
information provided or its use.

Created by Grace Fox of T.A.S. Commercial Concrete Construction, LP

 Nature of Material Handling
(M.H.) type Injuries
The nature of 80% of material handling type
injuries result in soft tissue injuries such
as strains and sprains.
The remaining 20% result in scrapes,
bruises, and lacerations.
Strains and sprains are generally very
costly injuries, especially strains or
sprains to the extremities or the low back
area.

Created by Grace Fox of T.A.S. Commercial Concrete Construction, LP

 Sprains & Strains
 A Sprain is an injury that
causes damage to the
ligaments, the tissue that
connects bone to bone.
 A Strain is an injury that causes
damage to muscles or muscle
tendons,the tissue that
connects muscle to bone.

Created by Grace Fox of T.A.S. Commercial Concrete Construction, LP

 Examples

Sprains and Strains are usually a result of

direct trauma . . .
 Lifting an object while twisting from the

waist
 Cumulative or repetitive trauma resulting

in weakening of the muscles and

ligaments
 Making quick body movements, such as

standing or squatting very quickly

Created by Grace Fox of T.A.S. Commercial Concrete Construction, LP
 Common causes of strains & Sprains

When done incorrectly:

 Lifting

 Stretching

 Pulling/Pushing

Other causes:
 Poor physical conditioning

 Poor posture

Created by Grace Fox of T.A.S. Commercial Concrete Construction, LP

 TIPS FOR PREVENTION
Supervisors
must:
 Know the
risks.
 Avoid the

risks.

Created by Grace Fox of T.A.S. Commercial Concrete Construction, LP

 Know the risks . . .
 Most strains & sprains affect the arms,
shoulders and back.
 A worker may try to pull or lift an object that is
too heavy or awkward without help, or
 A worker may try to pull or lift a heavy object
while twisting from the waist.
 We know that new employees are more likely to
get injured.

Created by Grace Fox of T.A.S. Commercial Concrete Construction, LP

 Avoid the risks . . .
Train all Employees to:
 Bend the knees, not the back.

 Carry loads close to the body.

 Do not twist. Move the feet and legs as

necessary.
 If the object is too heavy, ask for help.

 Use the brain before the brawn.

 Maintain good posture.

Created by Grace Fox of T.A.S. Commercial Concrete Construction, LP

 Avoid the risks . . .

Train all Employees to:

 Watch where they are walking.

 Exercise, whenever possible.

 Recommend that they do not smoke.

 Eat well.

 Report all injuries immediately!

Created by Grace Fox of T.A.S. Commercial Concrete Construction, LP

 Workable solutions
All supervisors must:
 Use existing

resources to reduce
material handling
injuries.
 Create new ways of

reducing material
handling injuries.

Created by Grace Fox of T.A.S. Commercial Concrete Construction, LP

 Workable Solutions Ideas
 Increase proper lifting technique training.
 Assign new employees to the patronage of
seasoned employees in the same crew.
 Involve the Lead Personnel in watching and
training new employees.
 Use mechanical equipment whenever
possible to pick-up, move or deposit
materials.

Created by Grace Fox of T.A.S. Commercial Concrete Construction, LP

 Material Handling?

 Why the need to

reduce material
handling related
injuries?

Created by Grace Fox of T.A.S. Commercial Concrete Construction, LP

 Benefits of M.H. injury
reduction
 Increased  Reduction in
productivity direct & indirect
 Lower worker costs of injuries
compensation  Increased
and general competitiveness
insurance costs
 Increased morale
 Lower experience
modifier rate among employees

Created by Grace Fox of T.A.S. Commercial Concrete Construction, LP

 General Rule of Thumb

The average comparison between

direct and indirect costs for
accidents in the construction
industry run at a ratio of
approximately 1 to 4, according to
the National Safety Council.

Created by Grace Fox of T.A.S. Commercial Concrete Construction, LP

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