Safety Guides to Workplace Lifting and Material Handling
Workplace lifting and material handling are essential tasks in many industries.
Whether you work in construction, manufacturing, or warehousing, it is important to understand proper safety measures when lifting and moving materials. Failure to follow safe practices can lead to serious injuries to workers and damage to products.
Today, we will discuss the basics of workplace lifting and material handling safety, and provide some essential guidelines to follow.
Importance of Workplace Lifting and Material Handling Safety
Workplace lifting and material handling activities involve heavy machinery, equipment, and tools. These tasks require significant physical effort from workers, which increases their risk of injury.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), overexertion and bodily reaction are leading causes of workplace injuries.
Injuries from improper lifting or material handling can lead to lost workdays, reduced productivity, and increased medical expenses for both workers and employers. In severe cases, these accidents can even lead to permanent disabilities or fatalities.
Hazards and Risks of Workplace Lifting and Material Handling
Before we dive into safety measures, it is important to understand the potential hazards and risks involved in workplace lifting and material handling. These include:
- Strains and sprains: Lifting heavy or awkward objects can strain your muscles and joints, causing strains or sprains.
- Back injuries: Incorrect lifting techniques or overexertion can lead to back injuries, which can be debilitating and have long-lasting effects.
- Falls: When handling materials on elevated surfaces or using ladders, there is a risk of falls that can lead to serious injuries.
- Crush injuries: Materials and equipment can fall or collapse onto workers, causing severe crush injuries.
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs): Repeated movements and improper handling of materials can lead to RSIs, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Safety Measures
To prevent these hazards and risks, it is crucial to follow safety measures when lifting and handling materials in the workplace. These include:
1) Proper Training
All workers involved in lifting and material handling tasks should receive proper training on safe techniques and procedures.
This includes knowing how to assess the weight of an object, using appropriate equipment, and understanding body mechanics for lifting.
2) Use of Proper Equipment
Using the right equipment can greatly reduce the risk of injuries. This may include forklifts, pallet jacks, cranes, or hoists. It is important to regularly inspect and maintain equipment to ensure it is in good working condition.
3) Assessing Weight and Size
Before attempting to lift or move an object, it is important to assess its weight and size. If an object is too heavy or awkward, it may require additional assistance or equipment.
4) Proper Lifting Techniques
When lifting objects manually, proper technique is crucial to avoid strains and injuries. This includes:
- Keeping the back straight and using leg muscles to lift, not the back.
- Holding objects close to the body.
- Avoid twisting or bending while lifting.
5) Using Mechanical Aids
Whenever possible, use mechanical aids, such as trolleys or carts, to move heavy or bulky objects. These can greatly reduce strain on workers and prevent injuries.
6) Good Housekeeping
Maintaining a clean and organised workspace can also contribute to safety when lifting and handling materials.
Keep walkways clear, store materials properly, and clean up any spills or debris to prevent trip hazards.
7) Proper Communication
Clear communication between workers is crucial in lifting and material handling tasks.
This includes using designated hand signals, ensuring everyone is aware of their roles and responsibilities, and communicating any potential hazards or concerns.
Takeaway
Workplace lifting and material handling may seem like simple tasks, but they can pose significant risks if proper safety measures are not followed.
By understanding the hazards and implementing best practices, you can create a safe working environment for yourself and your colleagues.
Looking to purchase material handling equipment? Springwell offers a wide range of high-quality equipment, including pallet jacks, drum handling containers and cranes. Contact us today to learn more.