Ergonomics Will Help Keep Injuries Down

Ergonomics in the work place are a very important way to prevent long and short term injuries which can lead to time off of work and medical bills for the employee and employer.  Train and explain that if they use awkward postures to complete their tasks, they may put unnecessary stress on muscles and tendons. This stress can lead to back pain, tendonitis, and damage to joints by forcing muscles and tendons out of their natural positions.  Avoid reaching overhead, holding fixed positions, especially while bending or twisting, or lifting while doing the same.

Describe and/or demonstrate the ergonomic procedures or tools and equipment that your organization uses to help workers avoid these awkward postures. King Operator can help provide these tools to help in this task.  In particular, emphasize to your trainees that proper lifting is crucial to good ergonomics. Make sure your workers take the following precautions to prevent painful back injuries:

• Use lifting aids whenever possible, especially when lifting repetitively or lifting heavy objects.
• Never twist your back while lifting—instead, move your feet so that your trunk stays straight, or rearrange your work area so that twisting is not necessary while lifting.
• Always lift with your legs, not with your back. Squat down, bring the load close to your body, and lift with your legs.
• Use a stepstool or ladder, if you need to lift something above your shoulders. Remember never to use the top two steps or rungs.
• Don’t try to be a hero—if an object is too heavy for you to lift, get help from either a mechanical lifting aid or from another employee.
• Keep your back in top shape by exercising and keeping your weight down. For example, doing sit-ups regularly will help strengthen both your stomach and back muscles, both of which help in the lifting process. This will help prevent injuries from occurring.

Take a look at some of these products by checking out our Ergonomics page.  Also remember the summer, the Sqwincher Powder Pack™ Dry Mix.  It is available by emailing  jfeith@kingosafety.com for $130.00.  These are 80 pack cases down from $189.22.  Feel free to call 317.503.8611 or email with other questions or comments.  Have a great week and be safe.

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