Safe Materials Handling Ergonomics
Lower back pain is the second most common complaint that sends people to the doctor, according to the National Institutes of Health. In fact, about eighty-percent (80%) of Americans will experience back pain at some point during their lives. Completing tasks that require heavy lifting, repetitive stress, bending and twisting, and body vibration increase the risk of developing lower back pain. Poor posture, age, medical conditions, body weight, tobacco-use, and exercise habits may also play a role.
Assessment
Before lifting or moving an object, assess the situation by asking the following questions:
Is there equipment I can use to move the object (e.g. a hoist or hand truck)?
If yes, use available equipment to safely move it.
Is the object too heavy to lift by myself?
Lift one of the corners to assess the object’s weight.
Determine if the object can be disassembled into smaller, more manageable parts.
Recruit additional people to help you lift if necessary or use appropriate lifting equipment.
Is the object too awkward for me to carry?
If yes, don't lift it without assistance.
How far do I have to carry the object?
If you have to carry loads for a long distance, seek assistance, or use appropriate lifting equipment.
Is my carrying path free of debris, obstacles, and stairs? Is the surface of the path safe (i.e., not slippery)?
DO NOT try to carry loads across unsafe distances or obstructed areas.
Will my view be obstructed while carrying the object?
DO NOT attempt to carry loads if you cannot see where you are going.
Seek assistance in this event to receive safe guidance around obstacles.
Recommendations
If lifting by hand, use the "power position"
Stand with your feet approximately shoulder width apart, with one foot slightly in front of the other.
Bend your knees slightly. Press your chest forward while maintaining your spine's neutral curvature. Keep your head up.
Get a good grip on the object.
Contract the abdominal muscles and hold the object close to your body.
Use your legs — not your back — to lift.
Lift the object with a smooth movement (i.e., without jerking your body).
To review these steps in further detail select here for guidelines on safe lifting >
Carrying the object
Avoid twisting movements. Use your feet to turn.
Hold the object close to your body, at waist level.
If necessary, set the object down to rest.
Lowering the object
Contract your abdominal muscles while maintaining a neutral curve in your spine.
Hold the object close to the body.
While looking forward, bend your knees and slowly lower the object.
Additional tips
Take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue or injuries during repetitive lifting.
Mix up tasks that do not involve lifting and take breaks to stretch.
Use a stool or ladder to reach loads above your shoulders.
Get as close to the load as possible before sliding it towards you.
Work with your arms and legs — not your back.
Take extra care with loads under racks or cabinets.
Pull the load towards and use your legs to power the lift or request assistance.
Push (preferred) or pull objects instead of lifting/carrying when rearranging shelving or cabinets.
Plan tasks ahead of time to limit lifting and moving.
Use hand trucks and push carts to assist with moving objects.
For extremely heavy items, use forklift/pallet jacks as authorized or request assistance.
Design your work area to limit excessive bending, twisting, and stretching.
Use additional equipment for prolonged tasks.
Tool Vibrations
Using hand-held power tools increases your risk of developing neural, vascular, and musculoskeletal disorders. Vibrations from impact with the work surface, the motion of a piston (e.g., a jackhammer) and the tool’s engine, or unbalanced rotating mass are attenuated primarily through the musculoskeletal system (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1989).
Factors influencing how vibration affects the body include
Tool type and maintenance;
The duration of tool use and work conditions;
Grip force on the tool handle;
Muscular force applied to the tool;
Body position;
Clothing and gloves;
Skill level; and
Physical condition.
Recommends to prevent vibration-related injuries
Decrease the level of vibration:
Use only the amount of power necessary to complete the job.
Many tools don't need to be operating at full throttle to complete a task.
Follow proper tool maintenance.
Properly maintenance tools can reduce vibration levels.
Sharpened blades and newer grinding surfaces reduce the duration of exposure.
Use special grip handles, dampened engine mounts, and shock-absorbing exhaust mechanisms (if possible) to reduce the transmission of vibration.
Determine if power tools are necessary to complete the job.
Alternate work tasks to avoid prolonged use of power tools, by:
Limiting the their use; and
Taking frequent breaks.
Protect your hands from exposure to vibrations.
Participate in training on how to properly use and maintain tools.
Lean and recognize when early symptoms of vibration-related disorders occur such as hand–arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).
Clinical signs of hand-arm vibration syndrome include:
Blanched fingers;
Tenderness or pain and swelling of the fingers and forearm tissue;
Paresthesia or tingling in fingers;
Cold intolerance;
Weakness of the fingers flexors or intrinsic muscles;
Loss of muscle control;
Reduced sensitivity to heat and cold;
Discoloration and trophic skin lesions of the fingers; and
Loss of manipulative dexterity and finger coordination.
Tips for a Healthier Back
The following tips may reduce your risk of developing back pain or impairment over time:
Always maintain the natural curve in your back, especially when lifting or sitting.
The back is best supported when in a neutral posture.
Alter your position frequently for prolonged standing and sitting, by:
Alternating your feet;
Standing up on occasion to prevent prolonged sitting;
Removing your wallet from your back pocket while sitting.
Exercise regularly to promote overall health.
Use a general supportive padding as necessary.
Use bags and backpacks that hold loads close to the body, distribute forces evenly, and have wide straps.
DO NOT carry heavy loads in bags and backpacks.
Wear conformable shoes that fits within the working environment.