English
Spanish
Your back is a sensitive part of your body that can easily be easily injured if you do not practice safe lifting techniques. You can sustain sprains, strains and herniated disks, which may put you out of work and on workers’ comp.
If you regularly move heavy objects at the job site, learn several techniques you can use to protect your back from injury.
7 Safe Lifting Techniques every Contractor must Follow
One sure way to hurt your back is to lift an object hastily. To avoid injury, think through the task. Think about where you are moving an object to and how you will get there. Then, make sure muscles are sufficiently warm to lift a heavy object.
Once you are ready, follow these safe lifting techniques:
- Stand close to the object
- Align your body, from shoulders down to your ankles
- Maintain the natural curve in your lower back
- Bend your knees
- Squat rather than kneel
- Get a good grip
- Let your legs do the work
When you have moved the object to its destination, you can avoid unnecessary injury by putting it down in the same manner as you picked it up. Lower it slowly using your legs and keep the object close to your body.
7 Things to Avoid at Work
In addition to all the recommended safe lifting techniques, there are several things you also must avoid in order to prevent injury.
- Lifting and twisting simultaneously
- Throwing bags or other materials
- Working when you are tired
- Rushing
- Lifting from the standing position
- Reaching overhead
- Locking your knees
No matter how strong you may be, you should never lift anything more than your own body weight. If an object is too heavy to lift, ask a co-worker to get your back.
If you are a construction laborer, it’s important to practice safe lifting techniques, because back injuries can cause serious pain and limit body movement. Before you pick up another heavy object, learn how to lift the right way. It could save your career.
