Heavy lifting occurs in most jobs - even if you don’t realise it. For example, if you are a nurse, you might be required to lift patients from bed to bed, or move heavy items from one room to another. If you are working in a factory, you may have to lift heavy boxes. If you are a postman, certain parcels may be particularly difficult to deliver. If you work in events, you may need to move chairs and tables and other items when setting up a room. Basically, in any profession, lifting a heavy item will occur at some point.
Now here’s a startling statistic. 8.9 million working days are lost every year due to musculoskeletal ailments. Poor methods of lifting and handling loads are the leading causes of back and neck injuries. Using the wrong furniture can also aggravate backaches and neck pains for office workers. You can reduce the risk of injuries and body aches in your office by learning how to lift items correctly and using ergonomic furniture. Here, we provide common lifting injuries and a step-by-step process of lifting heavy objects.
Common Manual Handling Injuries
Heavy items can cause various injuries when handled in the wrong way. If you manually lift a heavy object incorrectly, you risk developing back and neck aches, strains, or sprains. You also run the risk of bruises and fractures if the heavy item falls on you. Injuries from incorrectly handling heavy items account for the loss of 18.4 working days per worker.
Tips for Safe Lifting
The best way to avoid these injuries and the loss of working days is to learn how to lift heavy items correctly. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to help you achieve proper lifting.
1. Plan Before Lifting the Item
Before you lift the object, get solutions to the following questions: where do you intend to place the item, do you require help, is there an obstruction on your path, or is it possible to use machines such as a hoist when lifting the load.
Start by clearing obstructions that may hinder ease of movement. If you need assistance, call a colleague to help you. Avoid lifting very heavy items on your own, as they can increase the risk of injuries. Instead, use a hoist if that’s an option. If a hoist is not available, consider resting the item on a table before placing it on the shelf or at a higher position.
2. Get a Stable Position
Always get a stable position before attempting to lift the item. You can achieve stability by standing straight with your legs shoulder-width apart. Placing one leg slightly in front of the other also enhances your stability.
3. Get a Good Hold of the Item
Proper lifting requires you to get a good grasp of the item before lifting it. If the object is at ground level, squat to get a proper hold.
4. Keep Your Upper Back Straight
Once you have a good hold of the load, keep your head straight, chest out, and shoulders back.
5. Lift the Item Slowly
After assuming the right posture and securing the load, lift it slowly, keep your back straight, and avoid twisting.
6. Bring the Load Close to Your Waist
Once you have lifted the load, keep it close to your waist to reduce the pressure on your back, then move the item to your desired position.
Using Ergonomic Furniture to Reduce Musculoskeletal Pains
If you do find yourself performing heavy lifting tasks at work, you should follow the above advice and also get advice from your manager or supervisor on the issue. Furthermore, you should make sure that you take care of your body in the workplace. This involves the use of ergonomic furniture and equipment.
Ergonomic furniture is designed with your body in mind. The furniture is shaped in such a way that your body is properly supported when sitting, standing or performing tasks like typing. An ergonomic chair, for example, is shaped to provide lumbar support, and correct neck positioning. A monitor adjuster is designed to change the direction of your monitor so that you avoid neck strain. A wrist mat can help to reduce the chances of developing repetitive strain injury. A foot mat can reduce fatigue and help improve circulation around your body, combatting low blood pressure and dizziness.
You can also reduce the risk of back and neck pains by checking the ergonomics of your office. Ensure you have the right office chair and desk if you spend much of your time in the office. FlexiSpot provides all types of ergonomic office furniture to help you reduce the risk of musculoskeletal pain. Check out our buyer guide today to get started.
