Lifting devices at work can reduce injuries and increase efficiency. Hear four detailed reasons why forklifts, conveyors and hoists are good investments.
Workers can avoid sprains, fractures and musculoskeletal injuries if they use lifting devices. Dollies, hand trucks, or wheelbarrows can be helpful tools in the workplace.
Straining while lifting can damage eyeballs? A 2008 study shows picking up heavy objects can increase optical pressure, detaching the retina. In this podcast, Dan Clark describes a new study funded by NIOSH looking into this further.
Customize the lifting devices for the work environment. Some workers will have more lifting ability than others. However, all workers are at injury risk during lifting.
TRANSCRIPT:
(:00)
intro music and effects
(:04)
Dan Clark: Let machines do the heavy lifting. It’s not being lazy, it’s being smart. Forklifts, hoists and hand trucks are your friends.
Hello, I’m Dan Clark of The Safety Brief, tackling health and safety hazards in today’s demanding industrial and construction worksites.
Save wear and tear on workers’ bodies. Here are four reasons to use lifting devices such as sky hooks, dollies and conveyors.
(:30)
#1. Prevent sprains fractures and other acute injuries.
• Lifting heavy goods, especially with bad lifting technique, equals back injuries.
• People carrying large things are more likely to trip and fall.
#2. Prevent long-term musculoskeletal injuries.
• Regular lifting can take a toll on the body, especially if the objects are heavy—and even if they’re not.
• Low back pain is a common complaint.
• Allowing forklifts, conveyors or other machines to lift and move materials can prevent the types of ergonomic injuries that develop over time.
(1:05)
#3. Prevent possible retinal detachment. Yes, your eye could pop out. Well, at least part of it.
• A 2008 study found that heavy lifting might cause a retinal detachment which can lead to vision loss. Apparently this occurs because pressure builds up in the eyes, causing the retinal cells to detach from the capillary bed.
• Research funded by NIOSH, The National Institute Of Occupational Safety And Health, is being done to investigate this further.
(1:33)
#4 Improved efficiency.
• When it comes down to it, machines usually can lift faster than people.
• If your facility is hustling and moving many materials quickly, machinery can help. A machine, such as a forklift, may seem obvious, but smaller equipment such as hoists and wheeled carts are also helpful.
Does your facility need lifting equipment? Keep in mind that not all workers can lift the same amount comfortably. Depending on the makeup of your workforce, the need for lifting machinery might be more pressing. Any employee can suffer an injury from lifting, though.
(2:08)
That’s all for this episode on 4 Reasons to Use Lifting Devices. Come back for more ways to stay safety compliant in today’s ever-changing landscape of safety requirements. I’m Dan Clark of The Safety Brief, a service of Creative Safety Supply. Save 10% off your entire order at creativesafetysupply.com with coupon code SAFETYBRIEF.
(2:32)
END
Lifting device images courtesy of HSE UK. Contains public sector information published by the Health and Safety Executive and licensed under the Open Government Licence
sounds provided by www.freesfx.co.uk and www.audiosoundclips.com