Heavy Lifting Safety

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

In the world of material handling, it is common that workers may be subject to lifting heavy products on a daily basis. How to properly lift an item may seem like a no-brainer, but in fact back injuries are one of the leading causes of time off. In 2001, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that over 36 percent of injuries involving missed workdays were the result of shoulder and back injuries.  The majority of back injuries occurring at the workplace involve using bad posture while lifting or by attempting to lift a load that is too heavy for their own strength.  Today we are going to give a brief reminder on how to properly lift heavy objects in the workplace, in attempts to minimize avoidable lower back injuries. 

Expert orthopedic medical doctor, Jonathan Cluett, sets out an easy to follow guideline on lifting heavy materials:

1. Plan ahead before lifting. Always be sure that you are aware of your surroundings before lifting a heavy object.  Make sure there are no obstructions on your path and that everyone is on the same page if you are lifting with a partner.
2. Lift close to your body. You will be a stronger, and more stable lifter if the object is held close to your body rather than at the end of your reach. Make sure you have a firm hold on the object you are lifting, and keep it balanced close to your body. 
3. Feet shoulder width apart. A solid base of support is important while lifting. Holding your feet too close together will be unstable, too far apart will hinder movement. Keep the feet about shoulder width apart and take short steps. 
4. Bend your knees and keep your back straight. Practice the lifting motion before you lift the object, and think about your motion before you lift. Focus on keeping you spine straight--raise and lower to the ground by bending your knees. 
5. Tighten your stomach muscles. Tightening your abdominal muscles will hold your back in a good lifting position and will help prevent excessive force on the spine. 
6. Lift with your legs. Your legs are many times stronger than your back muscles--let your strength work in your favor. Again, lower to the ground by bending your knees, not your back. Keeping your eyes focused upwards helps to keep your back straight. 
7. If you're straining, get help. If an object is too heavy, or awkward in shape, make sure you have someone around who can help you lift.
8. Wear a belt or back support. If you are lifting in your job or often at home a back belt can help you maintain a better lifting posture.

The biggest thing to take out of today’s blog is don’t overdo it! Do not ever try to lift something too heavy for you, as this is when the potential for injury is highest. If you find that you are incapable to lift a certain load, do not hesitate to seek assistance and get help.  By refreshing your knowledge with these simple tips, you will be taking the necessary steps to a healthy lower back.

Thank you for your time and attention.  Let’s make it safe this Monday.

Kolton Larson
Demand Generation Specialist, Lift’n Buddy, a Southworth Company

Ladder Safety 101

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

Sometimes one of the biggest safety issues is too much confidence; thinking that you will never get hurt can often lead to cutting corners and increasing your risk of injury. Climbing ladders is one of the activities that are often a source of injury due to over-confidence. 

According to the CDC, in 2011 there were 113 fatal and close to 50,000 nonfatal ladder fall injuries. These incidents occurred from fall heights of less than 6 feet to greater than 30 feet. You can see most of the height data in the graph below:  

Figure taken from CDC.gov (Occupational Ladder Fall Injuries, 2011)

There are many steps you can take to keep yourself safe while using ladders. Some of the most practical steps you can take are:

• Make sure your workers are trained. This is often overlooked.  No matter how confident you or your workers are about using ladders, it’s still important to step back and make sure the risks and hazards are fully understood. 
• Select the Right Ladder. There are many different types of ladders for different types of situations. Ladders also have a Duty Rating, which is given to them by the manufacturer to state the maximum amount of weight that can be safely supported.  
• Examine Your Surroundings/Safe Setup. Make sure you’re not setting up your ladder in a common walkway so that it’s a tripping hazard. Also, be sure to place the base of the ladder on a level, un-moveable surface. According to the American National Standards Institute, non-self-supporting ladders should be set up at an angle of 75.5 degrees to give the most amount of resistance to sliding while providing additional balance.
• Climb Slowly & Safely. Always face the ladder when climbing and maintain three points of contact at all times. You need all four of your appendages to keep you safe while climbing. Do not use one to carry something with you; use a rope or pulley system to pull up any equipment you might need. Never overextend yourself from the ladder to try to reach something. If your body extends over the side rail you can cause the ladder to fall over. 
• Think Before Acting. “I can’t quite reach that nail from here, should I climb down and move the ladder a few feet over so I don’t have to overextend my reach?” Yes. “It’s getting windy, should I wait till the weather calms down to continue working?” Yes. “The ladder doesn't feel totally safe, should I climb down and double check I’m on a level and sturdy surface?” Yes. You can never be too cautious when it comes to your safety. 

Too often the most common safety issues can be fixed by just slowing down, identifying potential hazards, fixing those hazards, and proceeding cautiously. We highly encourage you to take this approach when working with every aspect of your life.  

Thank you for your time and attention.  Let’s make it safe this Monday.

Christopher Feigal
Demand Generation Specialist, Lift’n Buddy, a Southworth Company

Tips for Staying Healthy This Fall

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

It is no surprise that fall weather is fast approaching. The leaves are starting to change colors, the days are becoming shorter, and the air has a certain coolness to it.  Now although there are many changes in the seasons from summer to fall, there are also many changes that may take place in ones health during this time. This can be easily noticed by the numerous sniffles and coughs that are present in the workplace during the fall and winter months!

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, viral illnesses are most commonly acquired and spread in the months of September through April. When an employee becomes sick with an illness, not only is he or she under the weather, but the employer and business is now losing money as a result!  It is estimated by the Center for Disease and Control that US businesses loose roughly $10.4 billion dollars in any given year related to employees getting the influenza virus.  Have no fear though; today we are going to discuss the common illnesses found during these months and tips on how to prevent these diseases.  

Common Illnesses in the Fall
According to Kristina Duda, R.N., Cold and Flu expert, common illnesses include:

• The Common Cold
• Influenza (The Flu)
• Ear Infections
• Bronchitis
• Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)
• Croup
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Prevention of Diseases
The Center for Orthopedic Care in Bridgewater, NJ, gives out multiple tips on the prevention of these illness during peak cold and flu season:

1. Wash your hands. In a world with public places teeming with contagious viruses and bacteria, our hands can be our greatest source of infection. We are always touching things with our hands and absentmindedly rubbing our eyes or putting food in our mouths which could be the introduction of an infection into our systems.
2. Avoid sick people. It is important to remember that people with illnesses are often highly contagious. Try to avoid dealing with sick people altogether, but if it must be done, at least remember to wash your hands afterwards.
3. Get plenty of sleep. Sleep allows your body to recharge and gives your immune system a chance to replenish after a long day of fighting off microscopic invaders. Failing to get enough sleep is setting your body up for easy access to infection.
4. Cut back on the alcohol. Drinking alcohol monopolizes the resources that your body should use to prevent infections.
5. Salt water has major benefits. Salt is a natural antibacterial agent. You can squirt salt water up your nose with a Neti Pot or use it to gargle. It cleans the bacteria-riddled mucus out of your nose and helps to fight respiratory infections.
6. Drink lots of water. Your body will function better if not starved for its most important molecule. Your body is made up of about 60% water and is constantly using water for all vital processes. Replenish your body’s water supply to help yourself run at maximum capacity.
7. Take vitamins and supplements. While many vitamins can be helpful supplements to your diet, Vitamin D is probably the most important, at least during the winter months. Vitamin D is absorbed into your body right from the sun’s rays, but in the winter months, more time is spent indoors than usual and supplements can help make up the difference.
8. Eat your fruits and veggies. This helps vary your diet and allows you to get the vitamins with which fruits and veggies are rich. Giving your body the tools to stay healthy is half the battle, and eating fruits and veggies certainly does this.
9. Try probiotics. These supplements contain live bacteria meant to balance the microflora (bacteria) in your digestive tract. By maintaining this balance, we leave ourselves less susceptible to infection.
10. Listen to your body. Your body will give you a warning when it’s beginning to succumb to an infection. Whether that warning is a headache, a bad mood or feeling uncharacteristically tired, respond to these warnings by making sure you are keeping up with all the other tips.

It is important to be informed on these common illnesses present during the fall and upcoming winter months. By following these simple tips of prevention this cold and flu season, one will greatly increase the chances of keeping themselves (and others) from illness.  This will result in increased productivity in the workplace and a healthy, happy workforce!

Thank you for your time and attention.  Let’s make it safe (and healthy) this Monday.

Kolton Larson
Demand Generation Specialist, Lift’n Buddy, a Southworth Company

Protect Your Feet

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

Every day the majority of us will take thousands of steps. Whether it’s running errands, working, or playing with our kids, our feet are often what carries us through each day. This is why it’s important to prioritize your employee’s foot safety and ensure that everyone has the proper footwear. 

Not having the proper footwear can lead to common issues such as aching feet, blisters, and sprains. More importantly improper footwear can lead to slips and falls, or even broken bones depending on the work environment. It’s important to assess possible risks in your workplace and to minimize the potential for injuries. 

Some potential foot hazards to look for:

• Loose nails, sharp metal, or glass objects. 
• Chain saws, unguarded motors or machinery. 
• Slippery floors, tripping hazards, or poor lighting.
• Unsecured heavy objects, which may fall. 

Solutions for these potential hazards are:

• Become more organized
• Keep walkways clear of debris or sharp objects. 
• Have monthly walkthroughs to look for newly developed safety hazards.
• Place appropriate matting/signage where spills occur frequently.
• Purchase appropriate footwear, such as slip resistant or steel toed shoes. 

Serious work related injuries occur more often than some might think. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 60,000 foot injuries per year result in lost workdays. Actively look for ways to improve work related safety. Taking a little bit of initiative before an accident can end up saving your company thousands of dollars in the future, because according to the National Council on Compensation Insurance, the average cost of a lost workday foot injury is $9,600. Never underestimate the importance of proper footwear and safety.

Thank you for your time and attention.  Let’s make it safe this Monday.

Christopher Feigal
Demand Generation Specialist, Lift’n Buddy, a Southworth Company