Safe Work Methods Training

Proper Lift/Lower and Push/Pull

In the freight-moving business the most common injury is to the back. Since so much of what an employee does relies on the back, a serious back injury can be life altering.

Most back injuries occur because of improper lifting methods. The employee bends at the waist instead of at the knees and often includes twisting motions. Injuries can affect the back muscles, ligaments, tendons and intervertebral disks.

The association between poor lifting techniques and back injuries has been common knowledge for years, yet people continue to suffer painful and disabling back injuries.

There are a few reasons for this conundrum. First and foremost, employees typically have the attitude that accidents only happen to other people, so they chose not to follow the safe work methods.

Another reason is that some employees feel “their” methods are more effective than the ones taught by the company. Sometimes the employee gets in a rush and justifies taking short cuts to catch up or make better progress. This often happens when the employee gets a late start.