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Safety Article #2
Lifting Heavy Items
Lifting heavy items is a way of life in the construction industry. When I was active in the trades it seemed that the biggest guys on the job all had back problems. This may have been caused by trying to “out muscle” the item to be lifted, rather than think about a better way of lifting or seeking help.
Many years ago, rather than ask for help when trying to move a skid of bricks, I pulled a tendon in my shoulder. After some very painful physical therapy and two weeks lost wages I returned to work determined not to overpower heavy objects by myself. I learned this expensive lesson well.
Lifting heavy objects is one of the most common causes of back, shoulder, and leg injuries. Here’s how to life correctly.
1. Look at the load and size it up. If there’s even a remote possibility that the lift will strain your back, get help. Use a hand truck or hydraulic device whenever possible. Better tools equals better results.
2. Bend your knees and squat as close to the load as possible. With your feet about shoulder’s-width apart.
3. Get a good grip, tighten your stomach muscles without rounding your back and lift the load using your thigh muscles. Lift slowly and smoothly. Avoid sudden moves while keeping your back straight.
4. Hold the load close to your body while you’re carrying it.
5. Do the above steps in reverse when you put the load down.
6. Turn with your feet, not your waist. There is a tendency to twist your waist when placing an item on a table. Injuries are less likely if you use your feet.
Much of this information was obtained from THE HOPE HEART INSTITUTE in a recently printed brochure entitled “How To…Lift, Stand, Reach, Pull, Sit and Sleep.” All the advice is something my father gave me many years ago. Dad had been a truck driver in New York City where double and even triple parking is a way of life in mid-town Manhattan. As a member of the Teamsters in the 1940’s and 1950’s, all their drivers were taught proper lifting techniques by their shop stewards. Power tail gates and hand trucks were unheard of after World War II. Proper lifting techniques should not be taken for granted. Perhaps a short class in all apprenticeship programs would prevent or certainly reduce the amount of back injuries in construction.
Oh yeah! Dad retired in the 1970’s after driving and delivering for over 30 years. He never had a back problem.
Article submitted by Larry Casey, Labor Education Service, University of Minnesota.
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