Soft Tissue Injury Prevention
Back strains and other related injuries account for more than half of all work related incidents. Proper lifting techniques and stretching exercises are explained throughout this handbook. If you still have questions or concerns regarding back injury prevention, check with your Supervisor.
Use material handling equipment as much as possible to do the heavy lifting for you. This means pre-planning and scheduling large equipment such as cranes and forklifts. Another solution could also be as simple as asking a co-worker to help you lift something versus lifting it by yourself.
When feasible, use pre-fabricated stations, which are arranged to facilitate production, quality, and safety. Individually, you can use sawhorses and a skill saw hanger rather than constant bending and picking up.
The Basic Rules for Safe Lifting:
-
Move close to the load.
-
Keep your back straight.
-
Bend your knees and lift with your legs.
-
Do not lift and twist in the same motion.
-
If the load is too heavy, get help.
There are methods that can reduce the chance of back injuries, increase productivity and save costs on the job:
-
Plan for the best use of material handling equipment.
-
Plan the job, looking for items that could be pre-fabricated.
-
Train individuals in the correct method to do the job.
-
Perform Stretch and Flex prior to work and after lunch break.
-
For work processes that require repetitive motion, consider job rotation of crew members. This may also aid in improvement of overall job skills and team building.
Onsite Physical Therapy Examinations:
In an effort to keep injuries under control, Fred Shearer and Sons has contracted with WorkRight Northwest to provide onsite evaluations and therapy. Ask your foreman how to access this service if you ever have any soft tissue pain while on the job. Many long term issues can be averted with prompt treatment.