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.
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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.