toolbox talk about overexertion and manual lifting

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# Back Injury Prevention (cont.) ## How can we decrease the demands? (cont.) - Change the type of movement required. Lowering objects causes less strain than lifting. Pulling objects is easier than carryingthem. Pushing is less demanding than pulling. - Change work area layouts. Reducing the horizontal and vertical distances of lifting substantially lowers handling demands. Reducing the travel distances for carrying, pushing or pulling also decreases work demands. - Assign more time for repetitive handling tasks. More time reduces the frequency of handling and allows for more work/rest periods. - Alternate heavy tasks with lighter ones to reduce the build-up of fatigue. ## How can we reduce stressful body movements when handling materials? It is important that tasks are designed to allow the worker to do tasks without excessive reaching, bending, and twisting. These body motions are particularly dangerous and can cause back injury even when not combined with handling loads. - Provide all materials at a work level that is adjusted to the worker's body size. - Eliminate deep shelves to avoid bending. - Ensure sufficient space for the entire body to turn. - Locate objects within easy reach. - Ensure that there is clear and easy access to the load. - Use handles or have a good grip whenever possible. - Use slings and hooks to move loads that do not have handles. - Balance contents of containers. - Use rigid containers. - Change the shape of the load so the load can be handled close to the body. ## Why is the pace of work important? Pace of work, particularly when externally imposed, may significantly contribute to the worker's discomfort, and consequently to the onset of musculoskeletal injuries. Generally speaking, pressure to work at a certain pace creates the mental need to work in a hurry. This perception, in turn, creates tension not only in the mind but also in the body. Tensed muscles are much more prone to injury. Back Injury Prevention CC…

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Equipment Safety: Construction Toolbox Talk NIOSH CPWR [● Getting On and Off Workers can be injured getting on and off equipment when they lose their footing or the equipment moves suddenly. Injuries can range from sprains, cuts, and bruises to fractures and even death. ## Joe's Story Joe was climbing down from the cab of a front-end loader and lost his footing on the muddy steps. He fell to the ground and sprained his ankle. - What caused this incident? *How could this have been prevented? * Have you ever been injured while getting on or off equipment, or do you know someone who has? If so, what happened? ## Remember This • Set the parking brake to prevent the equipment from moving. - Check the handholds and steps for mud or other con- ditions that could make them slippery. • Face the equipment ladder and use both hands when climbing up or down. - Wear footwear that will provide support and traction. . Keep work areas clean and free of waste such as scraps, extra materials, and garbage to prevent trip and slip hazards. ## How can we stay safe today? What will we do at the worksite to prevent injuries from getting on and off equipment? OSHA Standards: 1926.600, 1926.602, and 1926.20 CD C National and Health NIOSH CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION CPWR 【● THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING

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Repetitive Motion: Construction Toolbox Talk NIOSH CPWR [ Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a repetitive-motion injury. It occurs when an important nerve is regularly pinched and compressed. Workers with CTS commonly feel pain, weakness, and tingling, usually in the first three fingers of the hand and the base of the thumb. Symptoms are often most severe during sleep. Serious cases can be disabling. ## Ann's Story Ann first noticed symptoms of CTS when her fingers would tingle and her hand and wrist would begin to feel numb the longer she held a tool. She went to her doctor and explained the type of work she performed and the problems she was having holding tools. The doctor did some tests and told Ann that she had CTS. *What caused the CTS? - How could this have been prevented? *Have you ever had symptoms of CTS or do you know someone who has? If so, what happened? ## How can we stay safe today? What will we do at the worksite to prevent repetitive motions that can cause carpal tunnel syndrome? ## Remember This • Use tools designed for the job. • Use tools that keep your wrist in a neutral position, rather than a forward or backward bend, to minimize force. • Use a two-handled tool that has a spring return so the handle automatically returns to the starting position, and has a locking position if continuous force is required. • Wear gloves or use anti-vibration wraps to improve grip strength and lessen the shock of vibrating tools. • Rest your hands periodically. • Reduce repetitive movements. . Vary your arm's position when performing an activity. OSHA General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act CD C National Insund Health NIOSH CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION CPWRO THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING

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CPWR TOOLBOX THE CENTER FOR CONSTRUCTION RESEARCH AND TRAINING # Lifting and TALK Carrying Materials Back injuries are caused by lifting and carrying heavy materials, working in awkward positions, and bending often to lift materials off the ground. Construction has one of the highest rates of back injuries of any industry. ## Jeff's Story Jeff worked on a masonry crew at a construction site. Over the course of a day, Jeff and his crew moved 200 30-pound bags of concrete from the delivery location to the work area by hand because they thought it would take less time than finding a cart or forklift to do the job. His back began to bother him, but he wrote it off to just being part of the job. The next day the pain became so bad that he had to leave work and see his doctor. They told Jeff that he had damaged a disc in his lower back and could no longer do that kind of work. * Have you or someone you know ever had a back injury from lifting and carrying? If so, what happened? - How could the injury have been prevented? ## Remember This ➤ Whenever possible, use mechanical equipment like a dolly to move heavy objects horizontally. ➤ Never try to lift an item weighing over 50 pounds by yourself. ➤ Plan your lifts; make sure the path is clear and you are facing the direction of travel before lifting. ➤While lifting, tuck in your chin to keep your neck straight, and keep your back as straight as possible. - Lift with the leg muscles, which can help protect your back. ➤ Ask for help with heavy or awkward objects. ➤ Avoid twisting your body while carrying an object. ➤ Coordinate and practice team lifting before using it for moving objects. How can we stay safe today? What will we do at the worksite to prevent being injured from lifting and carrying? 1. 2. OSHA Standard: Section 5(a)(1) of the OSHA Act ©2017, CPWR-The Center for Construction Research and Training. All rights reserved. CPWR is the research and training arm of NABTU. Production of this documen…