Do you find yourself lifting heavy objects on the job every day of the week? Are you aware of the fact that this could lead to injury at some point?
When it comes to your lifting technique, it’s important that you know how to remain safe at all times. There is no guarantee that the right technique will help you prevent injury, but it definitely can’t hurt.
Here are some safe lifting tips to follow:
— Keep your back straight and bend your knees when lifting. Don’t ever bend at your waist, as this increases the risk of injury.
— Keep the object as close to your body as possible.
— Don’t hold the item lower than your knees or higher than your armpit.
— Do your best to point your feet straight forward. Don’t turn or twist when lifting a heavy object.
Along with the above, there’s one other thing you should never forget: If an object is too heavy to lift alone, ask a coworker for help. This falls under the category of “it’s better to be safe than sorry.”
Poor lifting technique can lead to an on-the-job back injury that requires immediate and ongoing medical attention.
If you’re injured at work, such as during a lift, don’t hesitate to tell your employer what happened and then receive treatment from a medical professional.
You may be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits for your injury. If you file for benefits and your claim is denied, don’t stop there. Instead, file an appeal with more information to back up your claim.
Source: Web MD, “Back Pain Health Center,” accessed Jan. 05, 2017