How many of you have experienced back pain while working? How many of you have been
instructed on the proper method of lifting? Recently a considerable number of construction
workers have reported to First Aid or Medical care with back strains — many of which were the
result of improper lifting. Since there is a right way to do everything, let’s make sure that each of
you is instructed or reminded as to the right way of lifting. Back strain and hernia are likely to develop if we bend at the waist when we lean over to pick up a heavy or an awkward object piece of material. As we all know, such injuries are not only very painful, they often have serious and long lasting consequences.
Always make sure that you wear safety shoes or boots. There is always the chance of something falling when you are carrying materials, etc. When lifting objects that have rough or sharp edges, make sure that you have a pair of good tough gloves. The safe way to lift, as you’ve heard dozens of times, is “bend the knees and keep the back straight.” This is necessary because, if you bend at your waist and lean over with your back horizontal, the load is too far from the center of balance. All the strain is on the lower back muscles, which are not built to take it. The result can be a sprained back or worse injury.
When you “bend your knees” this does not mean to squat until you sit on your heels. You won’t
have any leg power to raise a load from that position! Your position at the start of the lift should be more of a crouch, so the power of your leg muscles can be exerted. When you hear, “Keep the back straight,” we mean reasonably straight, so the back muscles won’t be doing all the work.
The most important rules to remember for safe lifting are these:
- Wear gloves when handling rough equipment or material
- Be sure of a good grip and good footing
- Keep the load close to the body
- See that your fingers and toes are in the clear
- Bend your knees and use your leg muscles
- Don’t twist your body while lifting
- Don’t try to lift or carry a load that’s beyond your physical ability — get help!