Many workers’ compensation insurance claims are filed as a result of back injuries, and the majority of these injuries come about because employees are not using the correct techniques for lifting.
Proper lifting methods could eliminate most, if not all, of the workers compinsurance claims associated with back injuries. Teaching these techniques needs to be part of any company’s safety program.
6 Lifting Mistakes to Avoid
Here are six of the most common mistakes your workers might be making while lifting objects and suggestions for lifting them safely:
- Bending the back.
Employees who lift with their back bent and their legs straight are inviting a back injury. In fact, this common mistake in lifting is actually the exact opposite of the correct method. Proper lifting is done with a straight back and bent knees, allowing the body to be closer to the object. In this way the worker is using the strength of the legs instead of straining a bent back to lift the object. - Holding the object away from the body.
If what they are attempting to lift is dirty or greasy, employees may hold the object away from their body in order to keep themselves clean. This may make sense for their appearance, but it is a sure recipe for a back injury. Workers must be trained to keep the object they are lifting close to the body—even if it is not very heavy—to avoid straining the back. - Twisting while lifting.
When lifting something from the floor to a higher level, employees will many times position themselves parallel to the shelf or table on which they will place it. This forces them to twist their body in order to set it down after they have lifted it. Using a safer technique, the worker would turn to face the higher level before attempting to lift the object, allowing the object to be lifted and placed without any twisting. - Losing balance while lifting.
Workers can lose their balance in a number of ways. Having the feet too close together, picking up something that is too heavy, or attempting to lift an irregular shaped object are just a few of the causes that lead to loss of balance. Workers must be trained to place their feet at least shoulder width apart and to seek help when lifting heavy or awkward objects. - Contorting the body in cluttered areas.
Sometimes the load to be lifted is surrounded by other objects that prevent the worker from making a safe and proper lift. Workers who contort the body to make a lift under these conditions are asking for a back injury. Workers should be taught to move the surrounding objects away before attempting to lift their object. A clear pathway and surrounding area are essential to a safe lift. - Failure to coordinate the lift with others.
If two or more employees are attempting to lift an object when a forklift is not an option, clear communication is needed. Make sure everyone involved in the lift knows where they will be grasping the object, its intended destination, and exactly when they will lift to object. Not only can this prevent back injuries, but smashed toes and pinched fingers may be avoided as well.
Avoid Workers Comp Claims with Our Lifting Techniques Checklist
Remember, you can keep your workers safe and avoid workers’ compensation claims by training them to use proper lifting techniques including:
- Keep the back straight during a lift
- Bend the knees
- Place the feet at least shoulder width apart
- Keep the load close to the body
- Avoid twisting the body during the lift
- Ask for help when it’s obviously needed
Keeping these techniques in mind will keep your workers safe and minimize back injuries; thereby, saving you on the cost of workers’ compensation insurance.
Get the Right PA Workers Compensation Insurance
For more information about workers compensation insurance, contact American Insuring Group online or call us at (800) 947-1270 or (610) 775-3848. We offer plans from competing providers, so we're positioned to help you find the right insurance and the right price. Contact us today to get started.
