Material handling injuries are very common among
construction workers and other workers that have to do similar physical
work. Back, hip, and shoulder injuries
are commonly associated with workers that have to handle materials. The job the workers do needs to be done, but
immediate and long term safety are very important to keep in mind while
working. Proper lifting and carrying
procedures will help dramatically with reducing injuries in the long term while
working.
Workers that have to lift heavy objects, awkwardly shaped
objects, or repetitively lift objects are at higher risk for injury. Many construction workers have to move and
carry materials such as concrete blocks, lumber, sheetrock, cement mixes,
shingles and many other things.
The back is one of the main places that worked are injured
when handling materials. The back can be
injured when lifting or carrying items.
It is important to bend at your knees and lift with your legs when
handling materials that are heavy. When
lifting things like long wooden boards or sheets of metal or sheetrock using a
partner is highly advised.
The shoulders are another common area that material workers
may be injured. This is due to them
holding things above their heads like boards or sheetrock when fastening them
to the ceiling or toward the top of the wall.
Shoulders can also be injured when you are moving heavy objects with one
arm repeatedly, for example laying concreate blocks. When workers lay concreate blocks they
usually grab the blocks off the ground and lift them with one hand to the
desired location. That doesn’t seem like
a problem, but doing it over and over could strain the muscles that make up your
shoulder. To reduce shoulder injuries involving lifting materials over your
head, a lift is advised so you don’t have to hold it and fasten it at the same
time. To reduce shoulder injuries when laying
brick or other similar jobs that require repetitive shoulder movements it is
suggested that you place materials close to where you will be using them so you
don’t have to move too far or spin around to grab them. You can also have the materials lifted up on
a table or an automated lift so the workers don’t have to bend down all the
time. It is also important to take a short break every once in a while to rest
the joints and muscles. 
Injuries can also occur when workers are moving materials to
higher locations such as onto roofs while using a ladder or lifts. When you are climbing ladders don’t carry
heaving things with you that could cause you to become off balance or cause you
not to have both hands on the ladder while climbing. Also, making sure the ladder is sturdy and
will not fall as you make your way up it.
When lifting really heavy objects a crane or other machine lift is
suggested for ease and safety of workers.
To help reduce some of the injuries above regular stretching
of legs, arms, neck, and back will help strengthen the muscles and lower the
risk for injury. There are many sites
that demonstrate stretching and other workouts to keep your muscles loose and
strong.
Thank you for your time and attention. Let’s make it safe this Monday.
Dale Bromenshenkel
Demand Generation Specialist, Lift’n Buddy, a Southworth Company
