Heavy Lifting in the Workplace

Paper Summary:

This paper looks at how back injuries are the number one workplace safety problem and how adhering to proper lifting techniques is likely to reduce the injury rate. It describes the correct procedure for lifting heavy objects and discusses how workplaces should be designed to minimize the need for manual lifting.

Outline:
Introduction
The Risk
Assessing the Situation
The Lift
Other Considerations
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The first step in lifting a heavy object is to assess the situation. The first assessment should be of the object itself. It is important to get a sense of how much the object weighs before you attempt to lift it. The object should be inspected for signs of potential problems. These include sharp corners and slippery spots. If possible, the worker should try to find a handle or other good gripping spot. This handle or gripping spot should be evaluated for its ability to bear the load. The worker should not assume that because an object has a handle that the handle is able to bear the load. Many objects, but especially boxes, may be carrying more weight than they were originally designed for. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Inverarity, Linda. (n.d.) Safe Lifting Technique. About.com. Retrieved May 15, 2008 from http://physicaltherapy.about.com/od/ergonomics/qt/SafeLifting.htm
• No author. (1996). Back Belts: Do They Prevent Injury? National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. DHHS (NIOSH) Publication 94-127.
• No author. (n.d.). Back Safety and Proper Lifting Technique. Linfield.edu. Retrieved May 15, 2008 from
• http://www.linfield.edu/ehs/osha/back_safety_lifting.phpBack Safety and Proper Lifting TechniqueIntroduction
• (1993). Back Injuries - Nation's Number One Workplace Safety Problem. OSHA Fact Sheet 93-09.

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