Reducing the Risk of Manual Material Handling

Back injuries account for one of every five injuries or illnesses in the workplace.  Around 80% of these injuries occur to the lower back and are associated with manual material handling tasks. Oftentimes we get drawn into the “let’s get’ er done” attitude with many material handling tasks. The work does need to be completed, but taking a couple of seconds to determine the best way to do the job may prevent weeks of back pain.

When you lift…

DO

• Plant your feet firmly – get a stable base
• Keep the load close to your body
• Bend at your knees – not your waist
• Tighten your abdominal muscles to support your back
• Keep your back upright – keep it in its natural posture
• Use your leg muscles as you lift
• Get a good grip – use both hands
• Lift steadily and smoothly without jerking
• Breathe.  If you must hold your breath to lift it, then it is too heavy

DO NOT

• Lift from the floor
• Lift loads across obstacles
• Twist and lift
• Lift from an uncomfortable posture
• Fight to recover a dropped object
• Lift with one hand (unbalanced)
• Lift while reaching or stretching
• Hold your breath while lifting – Get Help

Begin each material handling task with the end in mind:  Where are you going to move it? Do you have a good grip? Is there a clear path?

Let’s work together to make Georgia a safer place to work.

To find trails ranging from easy, paved paths to more challenging hikes, visit GeorgiaStateParks.org.

Safe Hiking Tips

• Avoid hiking alone because the “buddy system” is safer during any type of activity. 
•  Tell someone where you are going and when you will return.  Don’t forget to check in with them when you get back.
•  Stay on marked trails.  Making shortcuts and “bushwhacking” causes erosion and greatly increases your chance of becoming lost. 
• Never climb on waterfalls.  A high number of injuries and deaths occur on waterfalls and slippery, wet rocks.
• Always carry quality rain gear and turn back in bad weather.  If you become wet or cold, it is important to get dry and warm as quickly as possible, avoiding hypothermia.
• All hikers should carry a whistle, which can be heard far away and takes less energy than yelling.  Three short blasts is a sign of distress.  
• Carry plenty of drinking water and never assume stream water is safe to drink. 
• Don’t count on cell phones to work in the wilderness, but if they do, be able to give details about your location.
• Don’t rely on a GPS to prevent you from getting lost.  Batteries can die or the equipment can become damaged or lost.
• Wear bright colors.  Don’t dress children in camouflage.  Keep dogs on a leash because they sometimes become injured or lost too.

Carry an Emergency Kit
Each hiker should have these items:

• Water
• First-aid kit
• Whistle
• Small flashlight with extra batteries
• Glowstick
• Energy food
• Brightly colored bandana
• Trash bag (preferably a bright color, such as “pumpkin bags” sold in autumn).  Poke a hole for your head and wear it as a poncho to stay dry.

What to Do If You Are Lost

• Stay in one place.
• Make shelter.
• Stay warm and dry.
• Be visible and heard.
• If helicopters are searching overhead, seek an opening in the forest.  Lie down so you look bigger from the air.

How can Georgians show their gratitude to our veterans this Veterans Day, and every day?

1. Take an active part by “waving the flag” at local “Welcome Home Veteran” events.

2. Encourage local businesses to “Hire a Vet.” (Visit www.vetjobs.com for helpful resources.)

3. Visit and volunteer your time to serve hospitalized veterans at our state veteran nursing homes in Milledgeville and Augusta and/or local VA and private medical facilities.

Pete Wheeler is Commissioner of the Georgia Dept. of Veterans Service.