By Caitlin Plante, WRYKER Construction Supply.
Research has shown that one out of every one hundred construction workers will lose a week of work annually because of a back injury. These are unfortunately common jobsite hazards, with 25% of all construction injuries reported tied to back pain. In addition to the pain back injuries cause for your team, they also cause your company pain. They can delay a project and cost your business money. In this Toolbox Talk, our experts here at WRYKER are sharing some ways that workers and management can help prevent back injuries and create a happier and healthier workplace.
Construction is hard on the body, requiring physical exertion every day by lifting, pushing, pulling, twisting and lowering loads to get work done. All of these motions can lead to the most common back injuries.
Back injuries occur most often in the lumbar region of the back (the lower part) because this area bears the most weight. Lumber injuries typically happen when someone lifts or lowers a load improperly.
You can also injure the thoracic and coccygeal region of your back (the chest and tailbone). Thoracic and coccygeal injuries typically occur when someone slips and falls, is hit by something or makes improper motions repetitively.
All of these back injuries can cause you to miss work, lose mobility for a few days or cause pain and back issues that can become permanent. It is essential to know how to prevent back injuries to keep yourself safe and healthy.
The first way to prevent injury is to plan accordingly for lifting and moving heavy objects. We talk a lot about planning here at WRYKER, and that is because we believe thinking ahead is one of the best ways you can protect yourself and your fellow workers.
The second way to prevent injury is to take advantage of the help. Tools and supplies are there to make your job easier. Fellow workers can also be a great resource. A good rule of thumb is to get help when carrying something 60 pounds or more.
The third way to prevent back injury is to lift and lower materials properly. Even if you plan and use your tools and supplies properly to help you, you will eventually have to lift something. You must know how to lift and lower appropriately to prevent injury.
Before you lift:
How to lift correctly:
Squat down using your legs, not your back. Do not bend over.
It’s important to remember that back injuries often don’t happen after one instance. The most common back injuries are a result of improper lifting techniques over a long period of time. Lift properly each time and try to limit your lifting as much as possible. Thank you so much for reviewing back injuries with us today. Share this with your fellow construction workers to ensure safety for everyone.
Original article source: WRYKER
Learn more about WRYKER in their Coffee Shop directory or visit www.wryker.com.
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