Although the human body can withstand a lot, nothing can, quite literally, put an employee on their back faster than a spinal cord, disc, ligament or muscle injury.
As your most valuable asset, your employees’ health and well-being should be at the top of your list when it comes to successful workplace safety. Lifting items is such a common task in most daily routines. But one wrong move — or a history of stress and strain over time — can hinder your employees’ back health and leave you down a person, and potentially with costly worker’s compensation claims.
According to Federated back safety training data from 2019-2020, back pain is the third-leading cause of physical limitation and disability. By helping your employees understand the values of safe lifting techniques, you can restructure and help break old habits, leading to new, safer ways to lift heavy or unwieldy items. Take the time to conduct frequent training, and hang reminder posters and signs around your workplace. Helpful reminder tips for your employees can include:
- Maintaining good physical shape;
- Thinking critically before acting;
- Bending the knees and using a firm grip;
- Testing the weight of an object before attempting to lift it;
- Pulling the load before lifting, and holding the load close to the body;
- Keeping the feet close to the load, but far apart enough for stability;
- Lifting by primarily straightening the legs and slightly unbending the back; and
- Enlisting the help of a lifting partner.
Along with these things to do, there are some actions to avoid:
- Twisting or bending sideways;
- Raising anything above shoulder height or lifting at arm’s length; and
- Lifting in an awkward position.
Equally as important as safe lifting techniques is streamlining your workplace to reduce the need to lift as frequently by hand. Consider restructuring the layout, and making the workplace as functional as possible. Reduce unnecessary tasks and utilize technology, machinery and equipment to do the heavy lifting instead. Keep in mind that your workspace should always be well-lit; walkways should be kept clean and clear of items; and ensure that floors are dry and clean to prevent slip-and-fall injuries.
Making changes upfront, as well as conducting frequent training sessions, can help lead to long-lasting positive impacts, including proper lifting techniques, creating a more streamlined and safe workplace, and reducing manual lifting as much as possible. Your employees — and their backs — will appreciate it in the long run.
Nate Oland is senior national account executive at Federated Insurance, an ASA association Partner. The American Supply Association exclusively recommends Federated Mutual Insurance Co. to its members for their property and casualty, workers compensation, and life and disability income insurance needs. For more information on ASA and Federated Insurance, click here.
Nate Oland is senior national account executive at Federated Insurance, an ASA association Partner. The American Supply Association exclusively recommends Federated Mutual Insurance Co. to its members for their property and casualty, workers compensation, and life and disability income insurance needs. For more information on ASA and Federated Insurance, click here.
This article is for general information only and should not be considered legal or other expert advice. The recommendations herein may help reduce, but are not guaranteed to eliminate, any or all risk of loss. The information herein is not intended to cover or identify all risk exposures and may be subject to, and is not a substitute for, any laws or regulations that may apply. Qualified counsel should be sought with questions specific to your circumstances and to develop policies and procedures for your business. © 2022 Federated Mutual Insurance Company
