Tag Archives: lifting

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Hand Protection

PREVENTING BACK INJURIES IN THE WORKPLACE (GUEST POST)

 
A back injury is nothing to make light of. This type of injury can derail someone’s life, especially when it happens in the workplace. That’s why it’s important to take steps to avoid back injuries in the workplace. 

Here are some tips that will help to avoid back injuries: 

  • Always use correct techniques for bending, lifting, and moving loads
  • Exercising can help strengthen back and abdominal muscles, which will help support the back
  • Always wear comfortable, supportive, and nonslip shoes
  • Proper posture helps ease strain on the back
  • Losing weight helps put less strain on the back, so if you’re over weight, try losing some pounds to give your back a break

All employers in the United States adhere to Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines for proper techniques to be used for specific jobs. Following these techniques helps reduce back injuries. 

If lifting is a part of the job, here is important information to keep your back healthy even while lifting heavy objects.

  • Make sure there is enough room to lift the item. That means test its weight and make sure you’re able to do the lifting safely.
  • Get help for something that is too heavy or awkwardly shaped. Use a dolly to move heavy objects or split the load into multiple smaller loads if possible.
  • Keep loads close to the body when lifting to reduce strain.
  • Your feet should be shoulder-width apart to form a solid base of support
  • Grip what you’re lifting tightly
  • Always bend at the knees, not the waist
  • Do not rely on a back belt to provide necessary support for proper lifting; back belts do offer support, but shouldn’t be used as the only method of support
  • Take breaks when lifting multiple items
  • Avoiding twisting as you lift.
  • Use gloves when necessary for lifting to help with traction and protection

The Frequency of Back Injuries

According to the Centers for Disease Control, back injuries account for 20% of all injuries and illnesses in the workplace. These injuries cost 20 to 50 billion dollars each year. The most effective way to prevent back injuries is to implement an ergonomics program that helps redesign the work environment and work tasks to reduce any hazards associated with lifting, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. 

There are many products that can help prevent back injuries in all types of industries. Whether an employee is working on a loading dock or in an office, ergonomic products help maintain proper positioning at all times so that the body stays in alignment. 

What Injuries Mean for Businesses

It’s important for businesses to keep abreast of the injuries that can and do occur in the workplace. Keeping accurate data of these cases is necessary so that all information is compiled and company heads are able to stay focused on the big data bottom line. 

This information can include everything from the number of injuries and incidents to customer satisfaction. Most of all, it helps everyone from employers to employees to stay safe and keep the flow of work steady. 



photo credit: Nicholas_T via photopin cc

Dana Rasmussen writes about workplace safety tips and how to prevent injuries. She’s a big fan of ergonomically correct computer accessories.

Ergonomics, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

HAZARDS ARE LURKING EVERYWHERE!

We recently published an article regarding how to perform a job hazard analysis in the workplace.  There are hazards everywhere, in the workplace, home, school, businesses, just about anywhere you happen to go in everyday life. 

Have you ever noticed something in a store  that shouldn’t be there?  While  checking out of the grocery store, I noticed there were wires everywhere, around the area that customers had to pay out and pick up their sacks to leave.  They were installing new computers, but there must have been another way to put those wires where customers were not at risk.

Another example, a small local chain discount store had become extremely unorganized.  Seems that several employees had quit, and there were not enough employees to stock incoming merchandise, until it got to the point that it became dangerous to even try to find what you were looking for.  The risk of falling over something in the aisles was  bad enough that persons quit going into the store.  The local fire marshall warned the store to get it straightened out in a certain amount of time, or he would be shutting the door because the business had become a fire hazard.  Bringing in employees from area stores to help get everything stocked and neat again resulted from his visit.

Depending on the type of work we do, there are hazards in most all places of employment.  Biological Hazards can be extremely dangerous if the right safety precautions are not taken.  This includes anything that can be passed from one person to another.  Contagious biological hazards are flu, hepatitis, or HIV.  Mold and chemicals are also biological hazards. 

Fire Hazards in the workplace are one of the major causes of lost work time.  Work may be shut down because of fire damage to the building.  Employees should conduct fire drills often, and be trained in fire safety: where the fire extinguishers are and how to use them.  Exit routes should be clearly posted and never blocked.  Lives can be lost in fires, so this is a very serious concern.

Electrical Hazards are dangerous both at work and at home.  Never overload an electrical socket or extension cord.  Check all cords to ensure there are no frays that could start a fire. 

Slips, Trips, and Falls.  These are hazards that could happen anywhere.  In the home, stairs should be well lighted, and both in the home and workplace, good housekeeping is a must.  Clutter or other things out of place can cause someone to trip over them.  Wiring from computers stretched out in the office are a cause of falls.  Trips and falls can result in sprained muscles or worst case scenario, broken bones.  Falls from high places are always a threat to those who must work on ladders or six feet or more off the ground.  This is when fall protection is required.

Lifting Improperly.  How many times have you been told to bend at the knees when lifting a heavy object, only to bend over and use your back?  If you think that the load is too much for you, ask for help.  Four hands work much better than two in many cases.  Wearing a back brace offers some extra back support, and makes one aware of the weight they are lifting, but can’t prevent an injury if the load is too heavy.

Noise Hazards.  If you work in a place where you and your co-workers have to yell at each other, you need hearing protection.  Businesses such as manufacturing, airports (those working near the planes), around racecars and other loud machinery, need to protect their hearing.  Once hearing is damaged, it can’t be fixed.  Rather than have to wear a hearing aid, why not start off with hearing protection at the beginning of your career?  And for parents, encourage your kids to keep their music at a normal level.  When you can hear their music through their earplugs, it’s time to turn it down, and save their hearing.

Let’s help protect our coworkers and others when we notice something that could cause someone to get hurt.  Report any hazards at work; also, report hazards that you see in a store where you are shopping.   You could save someone from injury, and also save a company from a lawsuit.

Ergonomics, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues

DO-IT-YOURSELF-ERS, PAY ATTENTION TO SAFETY RULES! (GUEST POST)

Redecorating at home can be a fun and fulfilling process. However, the activity may also come with its fair share of mishaps and accidents. Many homeowners, maybe because they don’t know any better or do not anticipate the worst, can get into situations that can be dangerous for their health and well-being. Avoid this route by knowing the possible risks that come with doing a redecorating job by yourself. Here are a few things that you need to watch out for. 

Be careful when lifting and moving pieces of furniture around- Because our background is in the mid century modern furniture industry, we are all too aware as to how much furniture can weigh. This should not be taken lightly, especially if you are working alone. When lifting or transferring pieces of furniture, or heavy items, make sure that you can actually carry the weight. If you can’t, please do not attempt to do so. Instead, call in extra reinforcements, and people who may be able to help you. You certainly do not want to throw your back because of the strain of the weight. 

Be aware of the dangers of paint- We’re big proponents of painting a space to change it up and give it a new look. It is actually one of the easiest and most impactful redecorating tips out there. However, not all paint is created equal. Certain kinds contain harmful chemicals such as VOCs, that can trigger conditions like asthma, and have even been linked to cancer. When painting with these kinds of paint, it is not unusual to feel dizzy or get headaches. Some people even black out! If you’re really dead set on painting, we advise using a water-solvent kind that should have a milder smell, and are also lower in toxins. You may also want to explore varieties of VOC-free paint. Another tip is to always wear a face mask while painting, and of course, to keep kids out of the room. Before fully using the room, give it a few days to air out, so most of the strong odor goes away. 

Invest in the right tools for stripping wallpaper- stripping wallpaper with the wrong tools may lead to cuts and bruises. Make sure you are armed with a proper stripping knife and do not substitute for any similar-looking tools. It is also a good idea to keep the kids out of this project. You don’t want them picking up sharp tools and cutting themselves. 

Never forget to wear your safety goggles- Redecorating may sometimes involve sanding a floor, retiling a surface, or even cutting and sawing some wood to create new pieces of furniture. In all of these activities, it is always a good idea to ensure that your eyes are protected. Little particles of dust, wood and other debris may get into your eyes, possibly causing cuts, infections, irritation, and even potential loss of vision. Goggles are inexpensive and readily available, so there is absolutely no reason why you should work without them.

These are just a few tips that anyone who wants to redecorate should take note of. There is no price for safety and at the end of the day, it is always better to be safe than sorry. 

Check out http://mid-centuryonline.com/blog for more about furniture and home décor info.

Back Safety, Ergonomics, General Safety Issues

HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS FOR MOVERS (GUEST POST)

Movers help people relocate from point A to point B. They are called on to carry large and heavy furniture and appliances safely. Movers oversee the process and make sure all items are hauled to the new location in the fastest and safest way possible, using packaging tools and trucks for prep and transport. 

The Life of a Mover

The responsibilities of movers are more on strength of body instead of mind. In each project they manage, movers carry heavy boxes and push and pull cargo multiple times. With this nature of work, movers are exposed to health and safety hazards that should be identified and prevented. If one fails to do so, he/she may end up injured and out of the job for good. 

Peruse the Workplace

For starters, make your work environment safe by checking for anything unsafe or unhealthy within the area. A box full of sharp nails may be ready to collapse at any moment while a furniture piece may have some splinters waiting for the precise time to strike. Determine what is the highest risk and priority and how to deal with it. Prior planning and preparation for every project should be adopted into the workplace. 

Repair the Identified Problems

Take action to repair any issues that you’ve identified within the workplace. Pick up loose nuts and bolts that you could trip on or wrap exposed cables and wires with tape to avoid getting electrocuted or starting a fire. Check the issues you just addressed and make sure it won’t happen again. 

A professional mover must also plan and prepare individual health and safety measures for every project they undertake. Completing some training courses are also imperative to work safely. This not only helps you work proficiently and safely but also adds to your credentials as a professional mover. 

Familiarize Yourself With the Law

Know the laws relevant to moving and update yourself. There are laws for the transport of potentially dangerous goods, mass and dimension restrictions, load limit requirements, fatigue management, etc. Involve and inform your coworkers so that they too can exercise these health and safety protocols. 

Keep Your Vehicle in Perfect Condition

The other half of the moving process is transport. This means you should also be sure your vehicle is functioning properly. A flat tire can delay the move and even jeopardize the items carried by the vehicle. Your moving vehicle should be fit for the job. Have it checked and maintained regularly. This includes tire alignment, oil change, and engine diagnosis. Call a mechanic or learn the safety procedures of changing tires and other vehicle maintenance procedures if you are going to do it yourself. 

When in the driver’s seat, avoid multitasking like texting on your phone. Avoid distractions while loading and unloading as well. Bring a valid driver’s license along just in case you get in trouble with authorities. To avoid any problems, abide by all road regulations and laws. Be prepared for unprecedented circumstances like vehicle inspections and heavy traffic incidents. Install alert warning systems to avoid speeding and getting pulled over.

Handling Electrical Systems

Movers may also be required to perform some electrical work. If you are untrained and inexperienced in electrical work, call licensed electricians to do it for you. Do not attempt anything on the system if you are unsure as this may lead to injuries. Use exclusion zones when closely working with overhead power lines. Take note that the requirements for exclusion zones differ with voltage. The higher the voltage, the larger the exclusion zone. 

Avoid Stress

Avoid stressful situations and defuse them immediately before it worsens. A clear and focused mind is necessary to perform your responsibilities as a mover. Stress can cloud your judgment and disable you from thinking straight. This could lead to workplace accidents. Physical and mental fatigue should also be avoided by getting adequate rest and eating a well-balanced diet. Never leave for work on an empty stomach. Eat nutritious meals like cereals and whole grain breads that give you carbohydrates for energy. Get at least 6 hours of sleep per day to allow your mind to replenish. 

Protect Yourself From Extreme Temperatures

When at work, avoid extreme temperatures. Avoid the scorching summer heat by staying in the shade. Wear multiple layers of clothing during the cold winter season. Exposing your body to physical work plus the harsh climates can take its toll on both mind and body.  

This guest post was written by Victor Daily, passionate blogger with extensive experience from Brisbane, Australia. Important information for this article have been provided by http://www.yourlocalmovers.com.au.

We appreciate the great advice from Victor and hope he sends more!  Persons who do much lifting might want to consider wearing a lifting belt, and using the correct lifting methods to avoid back injury.  pb

Back Safety, Ergonomics, Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

WORKPLACE SAFETY: DON’T OVERLOOK THESE COMMONLY FORGOTTEN RISKS (GUEST POST)

1 Comment

By Maire Hunter

Have you ever taken the time to consider the risks that surround you when you’re at work? Unless someone’s been paying close attention, there could be a hazard around every corner of your workplace. While you don’t want to be paranoid, you do want to be aware of the potential dangers you face, so you can take steps to avoid them. Here are some common workplace safety hazards that are often overlooked.

Gas

Gas is often an odorless hazard. Not only can it lead to a risk of fires, but it can also lead to asphyxiation risks. There are many types of hazardous gases potentially found in the modern workplace, from carbon monoxide to natural gases and even corrosive contaminates, and many cannot be detected without special detection equipment. Gas detection equipment is an essential part of keeping workers safe on the job. Simply set up the gas detector you need, calibrate it and you won’t have to worry about gas leaks endangering your employees.

Falling

That puddle of water may seem innocent enough, but an unsuspecting worker could easily slip and fall, injuring himself in the process. Workers should be taught to attend to spills quickly, whether they cause them or simply see them. Leaving spills on the floor puts everyone at risk. Other fall risks include unsafe climbing, leaning on rails and failure to use safety harnesses when working on scaffolding or ladders.

Fire

Sure, everyone in your workplace knows that fire is dangerous, but do they really know how risky it is at your specific location? Make sure that your employees know what fire hazards are affecting them at work, and what they should do in the event of a fire. A fire drill may seem like something for kids in school, but it’s a good practice to have one occasionally. You need to know that your workers know how to get out if they need to evacuate quickly.

Lifting Injuries

That box you are about to lift actually is a workplace safety hazard. Sure, it might look innocent enough, but lift it incorrectly and you’re left with a strained back or slipped disk. Proper lifting technique is an often-overlooked part of workplace safety. Always lift using the muscles in your legs, not your back. This means bending at the knee, picking up the item, and then using your leg muscles to lift yourself and the item back to a standing position. Pay attention to the weight on the box, because many boxes are heavier than they look and may require two people to lift.

Yes, the workplace can be a dangerous place if you’re not paying attention. Even an office with few serious hazards can present potential risks. So take the time to think about safety around your workplace, and don’t forget to consider these often forgotten hazards. By doing a little planning now, you can protect yourself or your workers from serious injury later. Combine safety equipment, awareness and training to keep everyone safe.

Ergonomics, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

AVOIDING INJURIES DURING THE MOVE (GUEST POST)

Tips to Stay Safe When You Are Moving

How to Stay Safe and Fit As you Move?

Moving to another location can get exciting when you think about meeting new people and settling down in a totally different place. However, the stress involved in planning the move, packing and unpacking can take a toll on your health. Apart from the stress involved in moving, there is every possibility of suffering from minor and severe injuries.

Injuries are common due to lifting, loading and unloading items during the moving process. It is therefore important to consider certain safety tips prior to the big move in order to avoid injuries and have a smooth move. Keeping yourself safe during the move requires great attention. Here are a few safety tips to help you take care of yourself during the moving process.

Avoid Back Injury

Most of the injuries occur when you lift heavy items. You can hurt your back when lifting heavy items. In order to avoid back injury, you need to make use of legs for lifting items instead of your back. The best way to lift heavy items is by squatting down, grasping the item and lifting it with your legs, exerting pressure on leg muscles.

Distribute weight of boxes equally by packing items in various boxes, instead of dumping all items in one single box. This will make lifting boxes much easier.

Carry Filtered Water Bottles

A strenuous exercise like moving that involves lifting, packing and unloading heavy items dehydrates the body. In order to keep the body hydrated, it is vital to drink plenty of water during the moving process. Carry filtered water in a bottle in case the new place does not have water turned on.

Check Out for Risky Walkway Areas

Check out the areas around your home, particularly for bumpy sidewalks and dangerous walkway areas. There is every possibility of getting injured when loading items due to the risky walkway areas in your home. Ensure that the steps leading to your home are clearly seen and it is not slippery. The best way to avoid slippery areas is by placing mats on them, so that you don’t walk on such areas.

Besides, this there are other things you must duly consider for a safe move. These include poles, tree branches and pillars that can be a major obstruction during the moving process. It is imperative to get rid of these obstacles completely by removing them or marking the area with bright colored tiles.   

In order to move special items, you must hire professional movers. Moving items like refrigerator, TV set, furniture and other large appliances require the help of professional movers.

Don’t forget to keep a safety aid kit with you when moving. This will help you treat minor injuries during the move. Ensure that your cell phone is fully charged and it has all numbers of people to be contacted during emergency in case you are seriously injured. I hope these safety tips will help you avoid injuries and allow you to have an enjoyable moving experience.  

Author Bio:

 Rony Mikal is a blogger and freelance writer. He writes extensively on topics related to environmental issues, business, moving, household removals and storage and removal services London. Apart from writing, Rony takes keen interest in traveling and photography. He is an avid traveler and spends quality time with family and friends.

http://www.aussieremovals.com

 http://www.ward-thomas.co.uk

 

 

 

Back Safety, Ergonomics, General Safety Issues

PREVENTING BACK INJURY AND PAIN

1 Comment

About 80% of  U.S. adults will experience lower back injuries or back pain over their lifetimes.  These injuries can be caused by improper lifting techniques and overuse.  If you use proper lifting techniques, and stretch and strengthen your back muscles, the risk of back injury can possibly  be averted.  When we have back pain, it is hard to think about your work or anything else.   There are many occupations, such as nursing, factory and construction work, or standing all day in a store or bank, that puts significant demands on your back.  I used to sit at a desk 8 hours a day, which can cause or worsen back pain.  My posture didn’t help; I am sure I slumped at my desk, rather than sitting up straight.  If you understand what causes your back pain and what you can do to prevent it, you should feel much better.

Here are some examples of the pressure put on our backs (literally):

Posture: Slouching exaggerates your back’s natural curves, which leads to muscle fatigue and injury.

Stress: Pressure at work and/or home can increase your stress level and lead to muscle tension and tightness, which adds to back pain.

Repetition: Repeating certain movements can lead to muscle fatigue or injury, particularly if you’re stretching to the limit of your range of motion or using awkward body positioning.

Force: Exerting too much force on your back – such as lifting or moving heavy objects – can cause injury.  If possible, find a “work buddy.”  It is less costly on the company to have two people lifting objects safely than paying for one person’s back injury.  You may be “macho” when you are young and strong, but you will learn with age, that some of that lifting you did while you were stronger, comes back to haunt you later.

Safe lifting poster

If you work in manufacturing or another industry where your day will be comprised of lifting or handling heavy objects, be sure to stretch before beginning your day.  Make this type of exercise a regular part of your work routine.  Taking a few minutes to do a few stretching or strengthening exercises can make all the difference in the rest of your day.  Improper lifting of heavy objects causes many back injuries.  It is best to use techniques that can support your back and prevent injury.  The diagonal lift gives you a wide base of support, with more stability, energy and power.  Bend your knees and squat down; keep your back arched and head up while lifting.  This allows more power to come from the larger muscles of the legs, keeping the weight off your back.  Keep the objects close to your body.  Bad habits such as jerking, rushing, twisting or bending while lifting can cause serious injury.

Slips, trips, and falls are hazards that we all face, even at home, if we aren’t careful to keep clutter out of our paths.  Wear the correct type of shoes to fit your job.  If you are on your feet all day, you need good support, with non-slip soles if possible.  Even women who thought they had to wear high heels in the office all day seem to be changing to lower, more comfortable shoes.  Do pay attention to your posture.  Just by changing positions often, and taking time to walk around and stretch, can make you feel better and help your back.

After reviewing scientific studies on the value of back support belts in preventing lower back injury, OSHA came to the conclusion that they had no conclusion.  Therefore, they have not made wearing back belts mandatory.  The use of back support belts and braces is optional, and many companies choose to supply them to their employees.  If it is a matter of personal preference, and if it makes you feel more secure, try it.  It certainly won’t hurt anything.  Studies show that newer back supports are working.  Employees have fewer back injuries and problems.  These products also help employees retain proper posture and movement, two habits that have been shown to reduce back strain on the job.

Always listen to your body; it is usually a good warning system telling you to slow down.  Take the time to examine your work environment and find ways to help you avoid risks that could be harmful.  Talk to your supervisor if you feel the load is too much; there may be other options that will help not only you but your co-workers.

Ergonomics, General Safety Issues

NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH – WEEK 2 – PREVENTING OVEREXERTION

Aren’t we all guilty of overdoing it, the first time we try a new job, sport, or game?  My granddaughter introduced me to the Wii a couple of years ago, and tennis was her choice of sport.  I was thrashing and slashing all over the room, when I noticed she was simply flicking her wrist and beating the socks off me!  We all want to try “extra hard” when learning a new sport or physical type of job.  That’s when the muscles show us that we aren’t in as good shape as we thought! 

This is the second week of National Safety Week, when the National Safety Council asks us to emphasize the importance of preventing overexertion.  According to Injury Facts, 2011 Edition, overexertion is the third leading cause of unintentional injury treated in emergency departments in the United States.  Approximately 3.3 million emergency department visits occur yearly because of injury from overexertion.  Usually it is associated with lifting, pushing, lowering, pulling, or carrying.  

We overexert ourselves in many ways, either at our jobs or physical training.   Close observation helps eliminate the possibility of serious effects of overstressing the muscles.  The load should be reduced and recovery pursued.  Symptoms of overtraining (and overexertion) may be:

  • Disturbances in movement;
  • Disturbances in rhythm and flow;
  • Lack of concentration;
  • Soreness in muscles, joints. 
  • Fatigue.

Here are some suggestions to prevent overexertion:

  • Stretch or warm up before lifting objects or strenuous activity;
  • Lift with legs bent and hold object close to body.
  • Avoid bending, reaching and twisting when lifting. 
  • Approach an object straight on;
  • Ask a friend for help when lifting.
  • Pace yourself when pursuing any activity.
  • Take breaks.
  • Stop if you can’t handle the load. 

Overexertion can lead to cardiac arrest when working or doing outdoor work during hot, humid days, or shoveling snow in the winter.  If our bodies are unaccustomed to these duties, we must gradually get in physical shape before taking them on.  When tendons, ligaments, and muscles work harder than they are meant to, sprains, strains, or other damage happens.  Usually the back is the most common area of injury.  Age has a lot to do with our strength, as well.  One should never try to lift an item that is too heavy, as he/she  may be able to do it now, but could have complications from it later on. 

Wellness centers have personnel who can help you get into shape and feel better, ready to tackle the world!  Workplace wellness programs offer incentives to employees by helping them with ergonomics, fitness, and nutrition.  Companies that offer these types of benefits may find less missed work time by their employees. 

To not be counted among the statistics of emergency room visits due to overexertion, “take it easy!”  Pace yourself, whether at work or play.

Back Safety, Eye Protection, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing, Weather Protection

WORKING WITH SANDBAGS IS HARD WORK

The Mighty Mississippi is on the move!  Many persons in areas along the Mississippi River have already seen their homes flooded over the past several days.  Friday, Memphis authorities urged citizens to leave their homes that are located in low-lying areas.  The Mississippi is expected to crest by late today (Monday), or early Tuesday morning in the Memphis area.  The Mississippi crested at 48’7” in 1937.  Floods from northern Iowa to the Gulf of Mexico may cause heavy damage to farmlands, as well as homes.  In Arkansas, Interstate 40 closed this weekend because of rising waters of the White River.  This latest threat brings to mind the time when persons in the heart of the Delta were victims of the Great Flood of April 21, 1927 – the great Mississippi broke through a levee, crushing homes, destroying sharecroppers’ farms, trapping thousands on their rooftops for days, and hundreds of people died.

We know we are probably “preaching to the choir,” about filling, moving and placing sandbags in getting ready for floods, because that part of the work may already be done by now.  However, we want to pass on some safety tips for this physically demanding work.  Repetitious lifting and carrying heavy loads, and working in awkward positions can cause back and other injuries.  For those who will be doing this work, please follow this advice from OSHA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: 

General rules:

  • Three-person teams work best: bagger: holds open and closes sandbags; shoveler: shovels sand into sandbags. (use a short handled, #2 rounded point shovel with straight shaft and D grip, bagger scoop or funnel to fill sandbags; and mover: carries and places sandbags.
  • Do not overfill sandbags – fill them ½ to 2/3 full.  Overfilled bags can leave gaps in levees.
  • Keep the load in front of and close to body, both when filling, and later carrying.
  • Do not reach out, bend over or twist when lifting.
  • Lift with legs, not back.
  • Take frequent rest breaks.
  • Alternate positions every 20 to 30 minutes.
  • If using automated filling, put the bag on a support (pallet) to reduce the stress on hands, shoulders, and lower back.
  • Fold the bag opening closed; tie only if necessary.
  • Use pallets when available when moving them to staging area.
  • A brigade team should be used when passing bags to areas that are further away.  The line should be staggered and workers should face each other to avoid twisting and turning.
  • Never throw sandbags, as this stresses the shoulders and back.
  • Straddle drop point with the bag between your ankles as you place it. 

Working around floodwater is hazardous because of debris and bacteria in the water.  Please heed these general safety and health warnings:

  • Wear gloves to protect hands from chemically-treated sandbags and contaminants in sand and floodwater.
  • Do not touch your eyes and mouth.
  • Wash your hands and face before eating or drinking.
  • Wear safety glasses, especially on dry and windy days, and when working with automated equipment.
  • Waterproof gear is necessary when working in floodwater or rain.
  • Use protective clothing if exposed to polluted floodwater.
  • Wear reflective clothing when working at night.
  • Use a personal floatation device when working near floodwater.
  • Wear work boots (waterproofed if working in floodwater.)
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Keep several first-aid kits handy. 

Tomorrow we will share more information regarding other safety measures that should be taken when working in flooded areas.  We appreciate all those who work in rescue and recovery following natural disasters, such as floods and tornadoes.  They should take every precaution to stay healthy and safe, as many hazardous situations exist.

Back Safety, Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety

AUTUMN LEAVES CAN BREAK YOUR BACK!

This is my favorite time of year, the leaves are falling, mornings are cool and crisp when Buddy and I go for our daily walk, football is underway, and THE TEXAS RANGERS ARE GOING TO THE WORLD SERIES!    What more could one ask for? 

But getting back to the subject, the leaves are falling off our pecan trees at a pretty fast pace now, and my husband isn’t looking forward to raking all of them.  He takes care of  the outside duties, such as mowing, gardening, and well, all of it, to be honest.  I don’t know if he would listen to any of the safety tips for doing all this yard work, but hopefully, some of you will find this helpful.

Wait until all the leaves have fallen off the trees before you start raking them.  If you overextend yourself at first, you may get tennis elbow or tendonitis.  Be sure to stretch first and warm up about 10 minutes before beginning.  You will need the right tools to make the job easier.  First, a good rake is worth a few extra dollars.  Be sure the rake is compatible to your height.  Wear leather gloves that help you grip the rake, and shoes with slip-proof soles, because wet leaves can be slippery.  When picking the leaves up, bend at the knees, not the waist to save your back.  Overloading the bags with leaves will make it too heavy, so use more bags.  If you suffer from allergies, wear a N95 dustmask. Many persons have allergies as severe in the fall as in the spring.  Also, you might want to spray your clothing with some type of bug repellent. 

Another fun fall project is pruning trees.  Be sure to look over the area around the trees and be sure there are no power lines running through them before you position your ladder.  Use the right tool for each job.  If you are using power tools, you may want to wear earplugs to soften the noise.  Also, watch for falling limbs, you never know when a big limb is going to come tumbling out of a  tree. 

Cleaning gutters is another job I’d rather not do.  But for those who have to do this, be sure the ladder you plan to use is in good condition and set it on a level place.  It is better to move the ladder as often as needed than stretch to reach something while you are on it.  An extension ladder is good for checking the roof or cleaning gutters. 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission says that there are more than 400,000 persons treated in emergency rooms annually that are victims of lawn and garden tool accidents.  Whether you are working with a mower, wood chipper, leaf blower, or any power tool, use caution.  Always wear safety glasses when doing yard work to protect your eyes.

There’s a lot to be said about the great outdoors, whether it’s your yard, somewhere you walk, or a favorite place you take your kids for an adventure.  The best policy is to be safe and aware of your surroundings.  There may be snakes that are hiding under leaves until they choose to hibernate.    Just be sure you are safe wherever you are.   One other tip, wildlife (such as deer)  is more active during this season, so watch for them while driving. 

Enjoy every minute of this fall, because one morning you’ll wake up, and there will be frost on the pumpkin!