Login

USERNAME
PASSWORD

Become a Registered Guest Login Help Lost Password?

Every year, back injuries cause employees to miss work. Most of these back problems are low-back injuries. Repeated injury to your back can cause permanent damage and end your career.

Most back injuries are sprains and strains from lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing, and pulling materials. You are at risk of low-back injury if you must twist while carrying heavy loads, work bent over a lot, or stay in other awkward postures. Here are some tips for reducing the risk.

• Warm-up exercises, such as stretching, before you begin work can help reduce muscle injuries.
• Reduce the distance you carry heavy loads. Where practicable, have materials delivered close to where they will be used.
• Try to store materials at waist height.
• Raise your work to waist level when you can.
• Make sure floors and walkways are clear and dry. Slips and trips are a big cause of back injuries.
• The chances of getting injured increase when you are tired. If you are working bent over, stand up and do a “back bend” at least every hour. If your work requires you to stand for long periods of time or to work with your arms stretched overhead, squat or bend the spine from time to time.
• Do not lift heavy objects when you are seated, because the strength of your legs will not contribute to the lift. § When possible, use carts, dollies, forklifts, and hoists to move materials — not your back.
• Where applicable, use carrying tools with handles to get a good grip on odd-shaped loads.
• If materials weigh more than about 50 pounds, try to avoid lifting them by yourself. Get help from another worker.
• When lifting or carrying materials, keep the load as close to your body as you can.
• Keep your feet apart for a stable stance. Position your feet prior to lifting to reduce twisting.
• Try not to twist, when lifting and lowering materials. Turn your whole body instead. Lift and lower materials in a smooth, steady way. Try not to jerk the lift.
• When you pick up materials off the ground, try supporting yourself by leaning on something while lifting. Don’t bend over; instead, kneel on one knee and pull the load up on to your knee before standing.

Davey Commercial Grounds Management, a division of The Davey Tree Expert Company, uses the safety information above in its “Tailgate” series.

7/03

By Rod Dickens, ALCA Contributing Writer