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Write a toolbox talk on sleeper carrying

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Published by SALUS

Safe Sleeper Carrying =====================

Date: 2026-06-28

Duration: \[DURATION] minutes

Presenter: \[PRESENTER NAME]

Location: \[LOCATION]

Objective

To provide workers with practical guidance for safely lifting, carrying, and team-handling sleepers while reducing manual handling injuries, pinch point injuries, and slip-trip hazards, and to reinforce the use of task risk assessment, safe work procedures, PPE, and workplace health and safety compliance.

Introduction

Sleeper carrying is a high-risk manual handling task because sleepers are typically heavy, awkward to grip, and difficult to balance while walking. Poor lifting technique, overexertion, twisting, blocked vision, and poor footing can quickly lead to back strain, dropped loads, crushed fingers or feet, and slips or trips. Manual handling remains a leading cause of back injury, and construction work has one of the highest rates of back injuries of any industry. This toolbox talk focuses on planning the task, using correct lifting and carrying techniques, knowing when to use team lifting or mechanical assistance, and controlling the hazards before the lift begins. [1] [2]

Presenter Note: Open by asking who has carried sleepers before and what made the task difficult. Link the discussion to the actual sleeper type, weight, route, and site conditions workers face today.

Key Points

1\. Plan the lift before moving the sleeper: Do not pick up a sleeper until you have checked the load, the route, and the destination. Confirm whether the sleeper can be moved safely by one person or whether assistance or mechanical equipment is needed. Make sure the path is clear, well lit, and free of obstacles, and decide where the sleeper will be set down before you lift it. Planning reduces rushed decisions and prevents unnecessary strain or loss of balance. [1]

[2]

Check the sleeper weight, length, and balance before lifting.
Identify the walking route and any turns, slopes, steps, or uneven ground.
Remove clutter, cords, loose material, and other trip hazards before starting.
2\. Use correct body position and lifting technique: Get as close to the sleeper as possible and keep it close to your body throughout the lift. Stand with your feet about hip-width apart, bend your knees, keep your back straight, and lift smoothly with your legs rather than jerking with your back. Keep your head up and eyes forward so you can see where you are going. Avoid twisting your torso while lifting, carrying, or lowering the sleeper because twisting under load greatly increases the chance of back injury. [1]

[6] [1]

Maintain a secure grip before the load leaves the ground.
Lift in a controlled motion; do not snatch or jerk the sleeper.
If the sleeper blocks your view, stop and get help or use another method.
3\. Use team lifting for heavy, long, or awkward sleepers: If the sleeper is too heavy, too long, or too awkward for one person to control safely, use a team lift or mechanical assistance. Team lifting must be coordinated so one person gives the commands and everyone lifts, walks, and lowers together. Team lifting is not simply having extra people grab the load; it requires communication, timing, and a shared plan for turning, stopping, and setting the sleeper down. If the load is beyond the team’s ability, stop and use a dolly, cart, forklift, or other mechanical aid. [1]

[2] [2]

Assign one person to lead the lift and call the movements.
Practice the lift path and set-down point before lifting.
Do not force a lift if the team cannot maintain control.
4\. Protect your back and muscles from cumulative strain: Sleeper carrying can cause both sudden injuries and cumulative musculoskeletal disorders when the task is repeated throughout the shift. Repeated lifting, carrying over distance, awkward postures, and carrying loads away from the body all increase stress on the spine, shoulders, and knees. Use warm-up stretches where required, rotate tasks when possible, and stop early if you feel pain, numbness, or loss of grip strength. Reporting discomfort early helps prevent a minor strain from becoming a serious lost-time injury. [6]

[7]

Take short recovery breaks when the task is repetitive.
Use the shortest practical carry distance.
Report back pain, shoulder pain, or hand numbness before the injury worsens.
5\. Control pinch points, dropped loads, and slip-trip hazards: Sleeper handling creates pinch points where hands can be trapped between the sleeper and the ground, stacks, vehicles, or adjacent materials. Dropped sleepers can crush feet or strike legs, and carrying a bulky sleeper can block your view of the walking surface. Keep hands clear of the underside and ends of the sleeper, wear footwear with toe protection and slip resistance, and maintain good housekeeping so the route remains stable and unobstructed. If the ground is uneven, muddy, icy, or cluttered, stop and correct the condition before moving the load. [3]

[3] [6]

Keep fingers away from the landing zone when setting the sleeper down.
Use clear verbal communication when moving in a team.
Do not carry a sleeper that prevents you from seeing your path.

Hazard Identification

The main hazards during sleeper carrying are predictable and preventable. Identify them before the lift starts so the crew can choose the safest method and avoid injuries.

Overexertion and improper manual lifting technique while picking up or carrying a sleeper: Back strain, muscle sprain, disc injury, shoulder injury, fatigue, and lost-time or restricted-duty cases. [1]

[6]

(Risk: High)

Carrying a sleeper that is too heavy, too long, or too awkward for one person to control: Loss of control, dropped load, crushed hands or feet, sudden twisting, and serious musculoskeletal injury. [2]

[2]

(Risk: High)

Pinch points during gripping, lowering, stacking, or setting the sleeper down: Finger crush injuries, cuts, bruising, fractures, or amputation in severe cases. [3]

[3]

(Risk: Medium)

Slip, trip, and fall hazards along the carrying route: Falls, ankle injuries, knee injuries, dropped loads, and secondary injuries to nearby workers. [6]

[7]

(Risk: Medium)

Blocked vision and poor communication during team carrying or turning: Collision with people or objects, missteps, dropped loads, and uncontrolled movement of the sleeper. [1]

[1]

(Risk: Medium)

Presenter Note: Ask the crew to name the hazards they expect on today’s route, including ground conditions, traffic, and where pinch points may occur when setting sleepers down.

Control Measures

Use the hierarchy of controls in order of preference. First, eliminate or reduce the need for manual carrying by using mechanical aids or changing the work method. Next, apply administrative controls such as planning the route, assigning a lift leader, and limiting load size. Finally, use PPE as the last line of defense. PPE helps reduce injury severity, but it does not remove the hazard. [5] [5] [5]

Use mechanical handling equipment whenever possible: Use a dolly, cart, forklift, hoist, or other suitable aid to move sleepers horizontally or reduce the amount of manual carrying required. Select equipment that matches the sleeper size, weight, and site conditions. [2]

[6]

Set a practical weight and size limit for one-person lifts: Do not allow workers to attempt a sleeper lift alone if the load is too heavy, too long, or too awkward to control safely. If the sleeper exceeds the worker’s capability, require assistance or mechanical support before the lift begins. [2]

[1]

Perform a pre-task risk assessment before each lift: Review the sleeper weight, route, footing, lighting, nearby workers, and set-down location. Identify pinch points, traffic exposure, and any need for team lifting or traffic control before the task starts. [8]

[9]

Use a coordinated team-lifting method for awkward or heavy sleepers: Assign one person to lead the lift, count the lift, and direct turns and set-downs. All team members should use the same pace and communicate clearly before moving or lowering the sleeper. [1]

[2]

Maintain good housekeeping and a clear travel path: Remove debris, cords, loose materials, and other obstacles from the route. Ensure the surface is stable, dry where possible, and well lit. Stop work if the route becomes unsafe. [1]

[6]

Control pinch points and dropped-load exposure: Keep hands and feet out of the landing zone, lower sleepers slowly, and never place fingers under a sleeper while aligning it. Use gloves for grip and hand protection, and wear safety boots with toe protection to reduce crush injuries. [3]

[3] [4]

Stop and report discomfort or unsafe conditions immediately: If a worker feels back pain, numbness, loss of grip, or sees an unsafe route condition, stop the task and notify the supervisor. Do not continue a lift that is causing pain or loss of control. [7]

[6]

Safe Work Procedures

Inspect the sleeper, the route, and the destination before lifting. Confirm the load can be handled safely, identify any obstacles or uneven ground, and decide whether a team lift or mechanical aid is required. [8]
Position your body close to the sleeper, bend your knees, keep your back straight, and lift smoothly with your legs. Keep the sleeper close to your body and avoid twisting while walking or lowering it. [1]

[6]

If the sleeper is long or awkward, use a coordinated team lift with one person directing the movement. Communicate before turning, stopping, or setting the sleeper down so everyone moves together. [1]
Set the sleeper down slowly and deliberately. Keep fingers clear of pinch points, lower with control, and make sure the sleeper is stable before releasing it. [3]
If conditions change during the task, stop and reassess. Do not continue if the route becomes blocked, the load shifts, or the sleeper becomes too difficult to control safely. [9]

Presenter Note: Walk the group through the task in sequence: assess, lift, carry, turn, and set down. Ask workers to describe where the sleeper could pinch fingers or block vision on the actual route.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

Gloves: Wear well-fitting gloves that improve grip and help protect hands from cuts, punctures, splinters, and minor abrasions while handling sleepers. Gloves should not be so loose that they reduce dexterity or increase the chance of snagging on the load. [1]

[5]

Choose gloves that match the material being handled.
Inspect gloves before use and replace damaged pairs.
Keep hands clear of pinch points even when gloves are worn.
Safety boots or safety-toe footwear: Wear sturdy safety boots or shoes with toe protection and slip-resistant soles to reduce the risk of foot crush injuries and improve footing while carrying a sleeper. Footwear should be in good condition and appropriate for the ground conditions at the worksite. [1]

[4]

Check soles for wear before starting work.
Use footwear that provides stable traction on the walking surface.
Keep laces tied and boots secured properly.
High-visibility clothing: Wear hi-vis clothing when working around moving equipment, traffic, or other workers so the team can see your position clearly. Visibility is especially important when carrying a sleeper that may block part of your body or when working near mobile plant. [3]
Keep hi-vis garments clean and visible.
Do not rely on clothing alone; maintain eye contact and verbal communication.
Use designated walkways whenever possible.
Hard hat where overhead or struck-by hazards exist: Use a hard hat if there is a risk of falling objects, overhead work, or contact with nearby equipment or materials. A hard hat does not prevent manual handling injuries, but it can reduce the severity of a struck-by incident during sleeper movement. [4]
Inspect the shell and suspension before use.
Wear the brim in the correct position.
Replace damaged head protection immediately.

PPE is the last line of defense. It must be selected for the hazard, worn correctly, and kept in good condition. PPE does not replace planning, team lifting, or mechanical assistance. [5] [10]

Real-World Example or Case Study

A crew decides to carry several heavy sleepers by hand because they believe it will save time. After multiple carries, one worker begins to feel back pain but continues working. On the next lift, the worker twists to avoid a nearby obstacle, loses balance, and drops the sleeper onto a foot. The incident results in a back strain and a foot injury, and the task is delayed while the crew reorganizes the work area. The lesson is clear: planning, route clearing, team lifting, and using mechanical assistance when needed would have reduced the risk and likely prevented the injury. [2] [2] [2]

Presenter Note: Use this example to reinforce that pain is an early warning sign, not something to ignore. Ask the group what should have happened before the first sleeper was carried.

Group Discussion

Discuss the following questions:

What makes sleeper carrying difficult or unsafe on this site today, and how can we change the plan before lifting begins?
When should we switch from a one-person carry to a team lift or mechanical aid?
Where are the pinch points and trip hazards on the route from the storage area to the work area?

Presenter Note: Encourage workers to speak from experience. Keep the discussion focused on the actual sleeper size, route, and site conditions rather than general theory.

Emergency Procedures

If a worker feels a sudden strain, pain, numbness, or loss of grip, stop the task immediately, lower the sleeper safely, and notify the supervisor so the worker can be assessed and the task can be reassigned. [7]
If a sleeper is dropped or a foot or hand is struck, stop work, make the area safe, and provide first aid or emergency medical response as required. Do not move the injured person unless there is an immediate danger. [3]
If the route becomes unsafe due to traffic, poor footing, or a blocked walkway, stop the lift, set the sleeper down in a stable location, and correct the hazard before continuing. [1]

Questions and Answers

Invite questions at any point. If a worker is unsure whether a sleeper can be lifted safely, the correct answer is to stop and reassess before moving it. [9]

Q: Why is sleeper carrying considered a high-risk manual handling task?

A: Sleepers are often heavy, awkward, and difficult to balance. That combination increases the chance of back strain, dropped loads, pinch point injuries, and slips or trips, especially if the route is uneven or the load blocks the worker’s view. [1] [6]

Q: When do we need a team lift?

A: Use a team lift when the sleeper is too heavy, too long, too awkward, or too difficult for one person to control safely. One person must lead and coordinate the lift so everyone moves together. [1] [2]

Q: What is the most important thing to remember about PPE?

A: PPE is important, but it is the last line of defense. It must be selected for the hazard, fit properly, and be worn correctly, but it should never replace planning, good technique, or mechanical assistance. [5] [8]

Summary

Recap of main points:

Plan the sleeper move before lifting, including the route, destination, and whether assistance or mechanical equipment is needed. [2]
Use proper lifting technique: get close, bend your knees, keep your back straight, and avoid twisting. [1]

[6]

Use team lifting or mechanical aids for heavy, long, or awkward sleepers, and assign one person to coordinate the lift. [1]
Control pinch points, dropped loads, and slip-trip hazards by keeping the route clear, maintaining awareness of hands and feet, and wearing the right PPE. [3]

[4]

Action Items

Specific actions participants should take:

Before the next sleeper move, inspect the load and route and decide whether the task can be done safely by hand. [8]
Use a team lift or mechanical aid whenever the sleeper is too heavy, too awkward, or too long for one person to control safely. [2]
Keep hands, feet, and body clear of pinch points and set the sleeper down slowly and under control. [3]
Wear the required PPE, including gloves and safety-toe footwear, and replace damaged PPE before starting work. [1]

[4]

Report pain, unsafe footing, or blocked access immediately and stop the task until the hazard is corrected. [7]

Remember: Plan the lift, protect your back, and never carry a sleeper beyond your control.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

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10 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Toolbox Talk: Pinch Points

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# PINCH POINTS Date Posted: 09/02/2016 A Pinch Point is produced when 2 objects come together and there is a possibility that a person could be caught or injured when coming in contact with that area. Pinch points commonly impact fingers/hands, but can impact any area of the body. The injury resulting from a pinch point could be as minor as a blister or as severe as amputation or death. Conveyors, gears, loaders, compactors and other moving equipment are examples of machinery with pinch points. ## COMMON CAUSES OF INJURIES FROM PINCH POINTS • Not paying attention to the location of hands and feet • Walking or working in areas with mobile equipment and fixed structures • Loose clothing, hair or jewelry getting caught in rotating parts or equipment • Poor condition of equipment and guarding - Dropping or carelessly handling materials or suspended loads • Not using the proper work procedures or tools • Reaching into moving equipment and machinery ## SAFETY CONTROLS FOR PINCH POINTS • Verify all guarding is in place and effective • Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment. Gloves, hi-vis clothing and heavy boots. • Identify potential pinch points before starting work by conducting a pre task inspection. • Stay in employee designated areas: Always make sure mobile equipment operators know your location. • Lockout/Tagout: Always verify electrical equipment is de-energized before starting any maintenance work • Alertness: Drowsiness leads to inattentive work habits and shortcuts • Operating manuals and work procedures: Always review the operating instructions/manuals before starting work; pinch points may also be identified in these documents. • Ensure all mobile equipment has working backup alarms and lighting before use. ## QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION • What are the most common sources of pinch points in your work area? • What improvements can be made to machine guarding? ## PRESENTER TIPS • Pre-read the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level a…

[2] Tool Box Talk: Personal Protective Equipment

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MIOSHA Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration ## Special points of interest: • Wear Hard Hats, Safety Glasses, and Work Boots on job sites. • Use face shields and goggles when safety glasses are not enough • Wear safety toe foot- wear when feet can be crushed by heavy objects # Tool Box Talk Personal Protective Equipment MIOSHA Construction Safety Standard Part 6. Personal Protective Equipment Employer: Shall provide, at no expense to the employee, the initial issue of personal protective equipment (PPE) and replacement equipment necessary due to reasonable wear and tear required, unless specifically indicated otherwise or other employer/employee agreement specifically requires employees to provide such equipment. Employee: An employee shall wear PPE when prescribed by the MIOSHA rules. ## Head protection (Hard Hat): . Class A hard hat shall be used where a hazard from falling or flying objects or particles or from other harmful contacts or exposures may be present • physically altered, painted, or damaged hard hats shall not be worn • Wear hard hat brim forward • Do not ware baseball hats underneath ## Eye and face protection: - Z87.1 safety glasses shall be used where a hazard exists from flying objects or particles, harmful contacts, such as when using power tools, hammers, and working over head. • An employee who needs corrective lenses where eye protection is required shall be protected by 1 of the following: (a) Spectacles whose protective lenses provide optical correction. (b) Goggles that can be worn over the corrective lenses without disturbing the adjustment of the spectacles. - Use goggles when working around dust, chemicals - Use face shields to protect face from particles, chemicals Face shields do not protect eyes from flying object high impacts, must use Z87.1 safety glasses underneath ## Foot protection: • Employee Provided / Employer must require • ANSI Z41-1999 or ASTM 2412 & 2413 certified footwear mu…

[3] Personal Protective Equipment Hazard Assessment

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# What is a PPE hazard assessment? A personal protective equipment (PPE) hazard assessment is an evaluation of your workplace that helps you determine what hazards your employees are exposed to and what PPE they need to protect themselves. A hazard assessment should include: - The jobs (or tasks) your employees do - The hazards your employees are exposed to • Where the hazards are located - The likelihood those hazards could injure your employees - The severity of a potential injury • The types of PPE necessary to protect your employees from those hazards ## Why should you do a PPE hazard assessment? There are three reasons: 1. A hazard assessment will help you find hazards at your workplace. 2. A hazard assessment will help you determine what personal protective equipment your employees need for protection. 3. Oregon OSHA's rules require you do one. 2

[4] Toolbox Talk: Back Protection

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# BACK PROTECTION Last Review: 08/01/2025 Date Posted: 09/23/2016 Back injury is one of the leading causes of lost-time or restricted duty in the workplace and can lead to years of discomfort and disability. A back injury can be cumulative, as a result of repetitive motion over time, or acute due to a sprain or muscle pull, for example. Factors that Contribute to Cumulative Back Injury • The amount of repetitive motion • The maximum lifting load • The duration the load is to be carried - The body height, weight, strength and gender • The position of the body to the load when lifting or carrying ## TIPS TO HELP AVOID BACK INJURY • Every industry and work environment presents its own unique back safety - hazards. Some jobs require a lot of lifting, while other jobs require a lot of sitting. • Wear back braces if required to lift and carry heavy loads or if the back needs to be supported for long periods. • Avoid twisting and turning; use legs to position and move the torso. Move the work area closer to avoid unnecessary twisting and reaching. • Avoid leaning or bending over for extended periods. This causes fatigue and weakness in the lower back over time. • Stretch and exercise the back before starting work each day. • Inspect the work area for slip, trip and fall hazards. • Inspect steps and stairs before climbing; use handrails whenever available. • Lift with the legs. Position the body so the load is centered and supported by the body before lifting and carrying. • Seek alternative work methods or rotating schedules if repetitive motion and sustained lifting are causing back discomfort or pain. • Avoid sudden jerks and pulls on a load that could cause a muscle sprain or herniated disc. ## QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION • What activities exist in your workplace that could cause back injury? • What can be done in your work area to minimize causes for back injury? ## PRESENTER TIPS • - Pre-read the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level and confiden…

[5] Toolbox Talk: Personal Protective Equipment

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# PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Date Posted: 09/03/2016 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is gear that can be worn to help minimize or eliminate injury. It can be worn to help prevent sudden injuries or injuries occur over time. It is very important the user understands the intended purpose of the PPE and verifies that it fits properly. that ## When to Wear PPE • Before you resort to PPE, you should first: • Use administrative controls • Implement Engineering Controls • Use local exhaust or general ventilation vs. a respirator • Control dust with a wet process vs. dry • Install sound reducing devices to mechanical equipment • When these other two means of protection are exhausted you then will need to select the appropriate PPE. - Often times PPE will be used in conjunction with administrative and engineering controls for added protection. ## BASIC TYPES OF PPE Head: Hard hat, welders cap Hearing: Earmuffs, ear plugs or canal caps Face/Eye: Safety glasses, face shield, safety goggles. Hand: Gloves for general use, chemical use, electrical work or hot work. Body: Chaps, leathers, coveralls Foot Protection: Leather boots, Safety toe/steel toe boots Personal Protective Equipment is gear that is worn to help minimize or eliminate injury. It is very important the user understands the intended purpose of the PPE, verifies that the PPE fits properly and is adequate for the work to be performed. Remember: PPE is the last line of defense against a hazard. LEARN MORE ## QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION • Does the PPE you wear to perform your work fit properly and is it in good working condition? What can be done in your work area to improve the use of PPE? • What improvements can be made to reduce the need for PPE? ## PRESENTER TIPS • Pre-read the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level and confidence will be higher if you know your topic. Discuss related tasks, work areas or events that make the Toolbox Talk relevant to your job site. • Involve the workers …

[6] Personal Protective Equipment Hazard Assessment

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# What types of PPE may be necessary? Your hazard assessment should determine if your employees need any of the following types of PPE: - Eye and face protection ◆ Fall protection - Foot protection • Hand/general skin protection - Head protection • Hearing protection • Leg protection ● Personal floatation device • Respiratory protection • Torso/general body protection ## How to do a PPE hazard assessment ## Do a baseline survey to identify workplace hazards A baseline survey is a thorough evaluation of your entire workplace - including work processes, tasks, and equipment - that identifies safety and health hazards. A complete survey will tell you what the hazards are, where they are, and how severe a potential injury could be. ## Suggestions: Use safety data sheets (SDS) to identify chemical hazards. A safety data sheet has detailed information about a hazardous chemical's health effects, its physical and chemical characteristics, and safe handling practices. Review equipment owner and operator manuals to determine the manufacturer's safety warnings and recommended PPE. Conduct a job-hazard analysis (JHA) - a method of identifying, assessing, and controlling hazards associated with specific jobs. A JHA breaks down a job into tasks. You evaluate each task to determine if there is a safer way to do it. A job-hazard analysis works well for jobs with difficult-to-control hazards and jobs with histories of accidents or near misses. JHAS for complex jobs can take a considerable amount of time and expertise to develop. You may want to have a safety professional help you. Have an experienced safety professional survey your workplace with you. 4

[7] Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Checklist

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# Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Checklist <table><tr><th>General PPE Requirements</th><th>Yes</th><th>No</th><th>Comments</th></tr><tr><td>1. Has a hazard assessment to identify and control physical and health hazards been completed? If not, perform a hazard assessment.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2. Have engineering and/or administrative controls been applied prior to the use of PPE? If not, apply them first if applicable and appropriate.</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>3. Has appropriate PPE that matches the hazard been identified and provided to employees for use?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>4. Has the effectiveness of the PPE program been reviewed, updated and evaluated periodically?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>5. Have employees been trained on the use and care of the PPE?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>6. Have employees been trained on the limitations of the PPE?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>7. Is the PPE training documented and kept on file?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>8. Are supervisors enforcing the use of required PPE?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>9. Is PPE inspected regularly and properly maintained?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>10. Is worn and damaged PPE removed from service and replaced?</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>11. When the following type of PPE is necessary, is the employer providing and paying for the PPE as stated by the OSHA standard 1910.132? Metatarsal foot protection - Rubber boots with steel toes Non-specialty-toe footwear (i.e. steel toe shoes/boots) if the employer does not permit it to be worn off the job site Non-prescriptive eye protection Prescriptive eyewear inserts/lenses for full face respirators Goggles and face shields Firefighting PPE (i.e. helmet, boots, gloves, full gear, proximity suits, etc.) Hard hats Hearing protection Welding PPE</td><td></td><td></td><td></td></tr></t…

[8] Toolbox Talk: Manual Handling

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# MANUAL HANDLING 27 Date Posted: 09/06/2016 Improper lifting from manual handling is the leading cause of back injury. If mechanical handling methods are not possible, utilize the following guidelines: ## LIFTING • Know your capabilities, only begin lifts that you can handle. • Can you handle the load yourself or do you need assistance? • Is there a clear walkway with good lighting to the work area? • Wear gloves to protect against cuts and punctures. • Wear safety boots or shoes to protect from falling loads. • Carry out a trial lift by rocking the load from side to side and try to lift a small amount to get the "feel" for it ## GOOD HANDLING TECHNIQUE • Get as close to the load as possible, and keep it close to you while lifting, carrying, and lowering it. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, one foot slightly forward pointing in the direction you are going. • If the - object is small enough to fit between your feet, bend your knees and keep your back straight. • Get a secure grip on the load. - Breathe in before lifting as this helps to support the spine. • Do not lift a load that will obscure your vision. • Lift slowly and smoothly. • Keep your face forward. • Avoid twisting your body when lifting or carrying a load. • When lifting to a height from the floor, lift in two stages • When two or more people lift a load, one person must take control to coordinate the lift. ## QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION • Name two hazards when lifting and carrying? • Why is it important to not rotate with a heavy object? ## PRESENTER TIPS • Pre-read the Toolbox Talk. Your comfort level and confidence will be higher if you know your topic. Discuss related tasks, work areas or events that make the Toolbox Talk relevant to your job site. • Involve the workers by asking questions and input that drives discussion.

[9] Toolbox Talk: Ergonomic Series - Protect Your Back

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# ERGONOMIC SERIES-PROTECT YOUR BACK Date Posted: 02/15/2024 According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than one million workers suffer back injuries yearly, accounting for one of every five workplace injuries or illnesses. When drilling down on the construction industry specifically, the Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) states that the construction industry has the highest incident rate of back injuries of any industry except transportation. Of all construction-related injuries each year, 25% are back injuries. Every year, a back injury causes 1 in 100 construction workers to miss work, usually missing about seven workdays but sometimes more than 30. Most back problems are low-back injuries, including sprains and strains from lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing, and pulling materials. ## PREVENTING BACK INJURIES • Wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE). When lifting, the grip is essential. Wearing gloves that fit correctly with a good grip will help maintain a firm hold on objects during lifting activities. Shoes or boots with gripping soles will also help maintain balance and stability while lifting. or • Preparation is vital. Before lifting, determine whether the object even needs to be lifted. Mechanical assist lifting devices such as dollies, carts, pallet jacks, other lifting equipment are recommended when possible instead of manually lifting heavy objects. The idea is to get the load as close to the destination as possible with the least physical effort possible. • Reduce the weight if you can; if you can split a load into two or more portions, do that. • Try to adjust the load height. Lifting from the floor will cause your body more stress than lifting from waist height. An injury is more likely if you lift an object above your shoulders. • Plan out the shortest, most obstacle-free route you can take. • Stretch before lifting ## TECHNIQUES FOR SAFE LIFTING ## ASSESS THE SITUATION: Before lifting, …

[10] Toolbox Talk: Lifting and Carrying Materials

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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…

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Publisher: SALUS
Final reviewer: Francis Langlois
Original answer: Jun 28, 2026

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