Safety: Unsafe Assumptions, Part 2

The following safety assumptions can result in excruciating back pain.

March 18, 2014

Following good safety procedures can sometimes be a headache. But the following safety assumptions can result in excruciating back pain that may dog you for the rest of your life.

“I can lift this by myself.” Maybe you can. But are you trying to impress somebody or ensure that you’ll be able to keep coming to work?
“It’s not too heavy.” So, you recognize it’s heavy. There’s your red flag to get help lifting or moving whatever it is. And watch your fingers!
“There’s no time to find a lift truck.” If a lift might put your back at risk, it can wait until you’ve found a lift truck.
“I have a tight grip.” The average man has about 30 pounds of gripping pressure in each hand, and that decreases as each minute passes.
“The load looks stable enough.” Make sure it can’t slide, roll, or tip; suddenly catching a lurching load will almost certainly strain your back.

Finally, keep in mind that your back is strongest when your posture is good.