Avoid Back Injuries- Use a Hand Truck

No one is immune to getting a back injury. Even the simple lifting of objects can cause a back injury if not done correctly. Many of these injuries can be avoided by a few safety precautions such as using a hand truck (a mechanism used to transport boxes and other heavy objects). A material handling device such as a crate, dolly, or hand truck should always be available for you at work and at home. Along with one of these devices, you should be aware of the proper lifting techniques. Here are some helpful tips in back injury prevention while carrying heavy objects:

Use a Hand Truck

Examine the load before you attempt to lift or carry it. Remember that a small load does not always make for a light load. Whether you are lifting or carrying a heavy object at home or at work, it is a good idea to use a hand truck. Whenever you think something maybe too heavy to lift, do not hesitate to use a hand truck. If a hand truck is not available at your work, talk to your employer about it. Buying a hand truck will be a lot less expensive than paying for an injured employee's medical bills. It is definitely better to be safe than to be sorry.

However, even though using a hand truck does minimize risk, you still need to use caution. Be sure that the load is securely on the hand truck and will not slip or shift while you are moving it. Always push the hand truck forwards, not backwards. The hand truck should go in front of you while going downhill and in back of you while going uphill. Move slowly and carefully with your hand truck.

Lift with Your Legs

If you feel that the object is light enough that you do not need a hand truck, then make sure to follow the proper lifting procedure to prevent injury. When lifting any object, heavy or light, remember to use proper lifting procedures. This includes lifting with your legs. Never have straight legs while you are picking something up. Squat down, keep your heels on the floor and your back straight with your chest forward as you lift. Bend your knees and straighten them as you lift the object. Also, hold the object close to your body and carry it at about waist level. Avoid any unnatural twisting or turning movements. Following these guidelines will help protect you from injury.

Avoid Potential Hazards

Make sure that the environment is safe. Do not carry something heavy where there is the potential of slipping or tripping. Keep an open path. Make sure that the area is clear of water, soap, oil spills or anything that could make you slip. Also look for any objects in the way of your path that you could trip on.

Get Help

Never be afraid to ask for help. If it is just a little bit too heavy, than get an extra person or two to help you with the load. It is true that there is power in numbers. Ask for someone to help you in order to lighten the load.

Back injuries are very painful and long lasting and should be avoided. Be safe while carrying and lifting. Use proper carrying techniques and when possible use a hand truck. Remember that as we get older we begin to lose the flexibility and strength we once had. Be sure to be strengthening your back muscles and stretching regularly. Keeping your back strong, along with careful handling of heavy objects will help keep you safe from back injury.