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Wellness Wednesday

on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 in Company News

Proper Lifting Techniques

So far year to date we have had 10 Work related injuries related to Lifting, this includes bending and twisting when we are trying to tarp our loads or put our tarps away. The costs related to these injuries so far is $79,609 and will continue increase as not all of the cases are closed.

 In an effort to reduce injuries in the work place, we want to get help putting our tarps onto a load or our trailer whenever possible. We need to ask the fork lift driver if they can place our tarp onto the load for us so all we have to do is spread out the tarp and secure it. When this is not possible we need to follow proper lifting techniques to avoid injuries.

Whenever lifting something heavy –

  • Keep a wide base of support. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, with one foot slightly ahead of the other (karate stance)
  • Squat down, bending at the hips and knees only. If necessary, put one knee to the floor and your other knee in front of you, bent at a right angle (half kneeling)
  • Maintain good posture. Look straight ahead, and keep your back straight, your chest out and your shoulders back. This helps keep your upper back straight while maintaining a slight arch in your lower back
  • Slowly lift by straightening your hips and knees (not your back). Keep your back straight, and don't twist as you lift
  • Hold the load as close to your body as possible, at the level of your belly button

Using these simple techniques, we can avoid injuries to ourselves and others, allowing us to continue working and get home safely to our families and loved ones. When we work safe, we get home safe.

wellness wednesday

When we don’t exercise safe techniques, the results can –

Affect your family life – You can’t play ball with the kids, go fishing or attend their              sporting events?

  • Have a physical and emotional effect - Adds stress on the family and your spouse, who have to take on more household responsibilities.
  • Cause pain, surgery, medications, injections and multiple doctor visits
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Vocational rehabilitation (retraining for another career, if necessary).

The question then becomes can you perform the same job again? Will you ever be able to return to work?

Remember Work Safe = Home Safe - You and your family can’t afford for you to be hurt!

TMC Safety Team