Back Safety and Lifting

1. Back Safety and Lifting The information in this document was obtained from sources which, to the best of the writer’s knowledge, are authentic and reliable. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. makes no guarantee of results and assumes no liability in connection with either the information or recommendations obtained in this document. Moreover, it cannot be assumed that every acceptable procedure is included in this document or that abnormal or unusual circumstances may not warrant or require further or additional procedures.

2. Why Back Safety is Important • Nation’s #1 workplace safety problem • Back injuries are often: • Very painful • A long term or lifetime disability • Expensive to diagnose and treat

3. Risk Factors Common causes of back injuries • Heavy lifting • Twisting • Reaching & Lifting • Carrying and Lifting • Awkward postures • Slips, Trips and Falls

4. Maintain a Healthy Back Exercise Maintain a healthy weight Don’t smoke Maintain proper posture

5. 4 Steps to Lifting Safe • Assess • Lift • Your capabilities • Load • Environment • Plan • Lift • Route

6. 4 Steps to Lifting Safe • Prepare • Can load be split? • Is load stable? • Is load evenly distributed? • Cover sharp or abrasive edges • Perform • Get a good grip • Use smooth controlled movements • Avoid twisting and stooping • Use team lifting where appropriate

7. How to Lift Safely Take a moment to think about what you're about to do. Examine the object for sharp corners, slippery spots or other potential hazards. Know your limit and don't try to exceed it.

8. How to Lift Safely cont’d Ask for help if needed, or if possible, divide the load to make it lighter. Know where you are going to set the item down Make sure the location and your path are free of obstructions. Then follow these steps:

9. Proper Lifting Techniques

10. Reaching & Lifting • Pull the item to the edge of the truck bed. • Handle hose in 10’ sections. • Pick-up loops of hose as you treat and carry loops of hose back to the vehicle. • Don’t swing a backpack sprayer onto your back. • Get assistance • Position at edge of vehicle, squat down, lift with your legs

11. Lifting Awkward Loads Test the weight. Plan your path of travel. Get assistance. Get close to the load. Get a good grip. Hug the load. Lift straight up and with your legs.

12. Summary Remember – It takes no more time to do a safe lift than to do an unsafe lift, so play it safe and lift it right! Plan ahead. Do not try to lift objects beyond your capability. Position yourself close to the load. Squat, grasp firmly and lift with your legs. Keep the object close to the body Carry the load between the shoulder and waist

13. 1. Common causes of back injuries include: Twisting Reaching and lifting Slips, Trips and Falls All the above 2. Tips to maintaining a healthy back include: Exercise and proper posture Smoking and healthy weight Healthy weight Both A & C 3. T or F It is best to avoid twisting at the waist when carrying or lifting a load. 4. T or F Lifting safely includes making sure the location and your path of travel are free of obstructions? 5. T or F To avoid the potential strain injuries, avoid reaching and lifting simultaneously?