Back Safety Tips
Protect Yourself
Injuries can be reduced by planning, changing how work is done, and training workers and supervisors.
Plan
- Warm-up exercises before work can help reduce muscle injuries.
- Cut down on carrying. Have materials delivered close to where they will be used.
- Try to store materials at waist height.
- Raise your work to waist level, if you can. Pipefitters use pipe stands. Masons have adjustable scaffolds to keep the work at waist height.
- Make sure floors and walkways are clear and dry. Slips and trips are a big cause of back injuries.
- Take rest breaks. When you are tired, you can get injured more.
Get Help
- Use carts, dollies, forklifts, and hoists to move materials — not your back.
- Use carrying tools with handles to get a good grip on wallboard or other odd-shaped loads.
- If materials weigh more than about 50 pounds, do not lift them by yourself. Get help from another worker or use a cart.
Move Carefully
- When lifting or carrying materials, keep the load as close to your body as you can.
- Try not to twist, when lifting and lowering materials. Turn your whole body instead.
- Lift and lower materials in a smooth steady way. Try not to jerk the lift.
- When you pick up materials off the ground:
- Try supporting yourself by leaning on something while lifting.
- Don't bend over; instead, kneel on one knee and pull the load up on to your knee before standing. (Wear knee pads when you kneel)
