Heavy Lifting
BY LAUREN HEARTSILL DOWDLE
How to prevent back injuries
THE ACCIDENT: A crewmember is loading project
materials from the landscape
company's lot onto the bed
of a pickup truck. He bends
down to grab a stack of pavers,
twists his body to place them
in the bed and feels a snap in
his back. He falls to the ground
and calls 911 from his cell
phone. He is transported to the
hospital where he is treated for
swelling and pain caused by a
pinched lumbar nerve.
materials. Or, slide loads.
If you think something
weighs more than 50
pounds, ask for help from
another coworker.
Take breaks to avoid prolonged periods of lifting.
Keep the load close to your
body and directly in front
of you. Bend your knees, lift
with your legs and keep your
back straight.
Avoid lifting loads higher
than chest high.
ILLUSTRATION BY DON LOMAX
Don't preform strenuous
activities while your body is in
a twisted or bent position.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Lifting injuries are far too common
in the industry, and their effects can last a lifetime. While
carrying and moving materials
might be a regular part of a
crew's day, there are measures
they can take to prevent back
problems.
Perform stretching exercises
before working each day, and
stay in good physical shape.
When possible, use equipment such as forklifts, skid
steers or hand trucks to lift
WANT MORE
SAFETY TIPS?
Download safety manuals
for employees or read past
Safety Watch articles at
totallandscapecare.com/
safetywatch.
Text INFO to 205-289-3796 or visit TLCrequest.com
J A N U A R Y 2014
Tota lLa nd s ca p eCar e.co m 9
