BACK SAFETY - SAFE LIFTING TECHNIQUES
BACK SAFETY - COURSE OUTLINE
INTRODUCTION
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, back
injuries have become the nation's number one problem as it relates to
injuries in the work place. Many back injuries are extremely painful
and may lead to disability, loss of work,compensation claims, and
expensive medical bills. Most of these injuries can be avoided by
proper training, posture, lifting mechanics, exercise, and following
safe lifting procedures.
SAFE LIFTING PREPARATION
The first step in lifting safely is to gain an understanding of how
your back works,including learning the basic structure of the spinal
column, vertebrae, nerves, spinal discs, and muscles.
From there, we move into how to prepare for a lift. This includes
checking for solid footing, balance, support, traction, and determining
the location of the centre of gravity of the load to be lifted.
PERFORMING THE LIFT
This section of the course covers the 8 step method for performing a
safe and successful lift. This includes learning how to square up the
object, prober body mechanics and breathing techniques, and controlling
the lift.
The second part of this section covers the proper method to carry an
object and how to lower and set the object in a safe manner. Also
included in this section are the guidelines that apply to other lifting
work such as shoveling.
ALTERNATIVES TO LIFTING
In this section we discuss the various alternatives to lifting such as
enlisting the help of a co-worker, using pushcarts, dollies, pallet
trucks, and other material handling equipment, and the use of proper
personal protective equipment.
POSTURE
At this point we cover proper posture as it relates to standing, walking,
sitting, and turning. This includes physical positioning, body mechanics,
changing the centre of gravity, lumbar support, and the use of pivot
points as opposed to twisting.
Also included in this section is a discussion on maintaining physical
fitness through exercise, and sport and leisure activities. In addition,
the participants will learn 5 exercises that are specifically designed
to strengthen back muscles and improve posture.
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Safety 1st
P.O. Box 21044
84 Lynden Rd.
Brantford, Ontario N3R 7W9
Phone: (519) 758-0900
Toll Free: 1-877-251-1172
Fax: (519) 758-0900
website: www.thinksafety1st.com
Email: safety1st@on.aibn.com
