In construction, there are many instances of manually handling objects, tools, or materials that are awkward or bulky and don’t fit the lift-with-your-legs-while-picking-up-a-box technique. Such activities might be moving broken concrete/asphalt, pipe/conduit, rigging, scaffolding, a concrete chute, a roll of fence, a shovel/rake, or a ladder. What activities do your workers engage in? Train your team on these best practices to apply to your project tasks to minimize injury.
Ladders: To improve grip and minimize bending, stage ladders on the side rail. Squat and grab with your extended arm to lift with your legs.
Debris: Roll or slide any debris or material away from the pile, maximizing the area to approach the load.
Long Objects: Always stand long objects on their ends for control. Grab the object with your arms and use your legs for leverage.
Long-Handle Tools: To prevent bending/lifting, keep long-handle tools off the ground.
Bulk Material: Any bulk material should be broken down into smaller, more manageable loads as needed.
Scaffolding: Grab scaffold frames with your dominant arm and brace against your body for support.
Concrete Chutes: Use two-hand control of concrete chutes. Stabilize with your knee and remove it from the rack, bracing it on your torso.
Compressed Gas Cylinder: Always tilt the compressed cylinder on its bottom edge and roll it to secure it in a cart or designated storage.
Buckets: When moving buckets, carry two at a time for balanced weight on each arm.
To see what additional resources and safety tips BITCO Insurance Companies can provide for its insureds, please contact your Risk Control Consultant. Click the button below to find a agent near you.
For information purposes only. BITCO's blog content does not address all potential circumstances and is not a substitute for business, safety, or legal consultation.
