Back injuries and back pain are among the most common, costly, and debilitating issues that people suffer from. They can also be the cause of significant workers’ compensation claims. Obviously, the health and safety of workers is always the top priority. However, considering the financial impact of back injuries as well, practicing back health safety best practices can prove to be a significant cost-saver.
Some jobs, however, are harder than others to perform while maintaining back health best practices. This rings especially true for movers, deliverers, and warehouse workers. In these instances, the work is often the sort that can easily result in back injuries. And in some cases, as the work becomes familiar and repetitive it’s easy for best practices to incidentally fall to the wayside. That’s why in the higher-risk occupations, sharing some tips for back injury avoidance is helpful both as information and a reminder.
Professional Mover
Being a professional mover is among the top professions with an increased risk of back injury. It combines hard physical labor, including consistent lifting of weighty material, with long trips in trucks. To mitigate the risks presented by that combination, keep the basics in mind. Lift with the legs (not your back), use the buddy system, and employ the right tools. If you need to move something up or down stairs, use a stair climbing cart or dolly. It’s also best toutilize mattress carriers when necessary and bring along anything else that will make the move less strenuous on your back. During those long truck rides get out and stretch often, avoid junk food, and get a proper amount of rest so you stay alert when lifting.
Furniture Delivery
Furniture delivery is, of course, not unlike being a professional mover in that it involves the lifting and transportation of cargo and long periods of sitting in a vehicle. The chief difference being that furniture delivery workers tend to only be moving extremely heavy things, which may also require assembly. Many of the tips are the same: Plan lifts out and then lift carefully and use the right tools. Use an appliance hand truck when the situation calls for it, rather than a traditional hand truck. And even if it takes longer, take modular furniture apart if possible. It’s better that it takes a little longer than risking a back injury.
Warehouse Work
Once again, using the right tools is important. Warehouses are generally better equipped with material handling solutions than the average delivery truck. So when a lifting chore calls for the use of a hand lift truck rather than a dolly or hand cart, save your back the strain and use it. It’s also important to make sure that everyone on staff has proper training and best practice knowledge for every tool they’ll be using, from a traditional hand truck to an appliance hand truck and more.
Additionally, be sure to not only use safety gear but the right safety gear, and to avoid overly baggy clothes. Limit unnecessary distractions and stay aware of your surroundings, whether you’re driving the forklift or steering a hand truck. It’s precisely when warehouse staff, forklift drivers, and pedestrian crew drop their guard that bad accidents happen. Additionally, never relax on lockout or tag out habits, inspect any tool you use(ladders in particular), and keep the walkways safe and free of debris. A little safety and precaution to avoid a back injury is always worth it.
About Magline
Magliner products have become such trusted and valued features of the material handling industry that many simply refer to any hand trucks as “Magliners.” Unfortunately for those other brands, there’s only one Magline, and for more than 70 years, they have designed and manufactured the toughest, most reliable material handling solutions. Their transportation and loading equipment additionally includes more specialized tools, including appliance hand trucks, stair climbing carts, and a dependable hand lift truck line. If your business’s success, efficiency, and growth is a priority, choose sturdy and reliable equipment—choose Magline.
To find out more about Magliner products, visit Magliner.com
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