Safe Lifting

In 2011, the back was the body part involved in the largest percentage of injuries involving days away from work, according to the 2014 edition of the National Safety Council’s “Injury Facts.”

Handling and hanging drywall sheets can result in serious injuries for workers if proper precautions are not taken.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, musculoskeletal disorders accounted for 33 percent of all workplace injuries and illnesses requiring days away from work in 2011.

From cases of mild discomfort to severe cases that may be debilitating, many workers have experienced some form of back pain. Knowing how to protect your back and following proper lifting techniques can help prevent this kind of injury.

The National Safety Council suggests employers relay the following information to employees to help reduce workplace incidents when handling and moving materials.

No matter what industry you work in, some amount of lifting likely will be required. Overexertion injuries – which most often occur when a load is being lifted or otherwise handled – account for 22 percent of nonfatal work injuries, according to 2009 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Items on a pallet jack can weigh up to 100 pounds, making caution when handling a necessity, according to OSHA. Lifting or placing items on a pallet causes many workers to bend at the waist repeatedly, creating possible ergonomics problems.

Overexertion injuries – which most often occur when a load is being lifted or otherwise handled – accounted for 22 percent of nonfatal workplace injuries in 2009, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

More than 51,000 luggage-related injuries were treated in doctors’ offices, clinics and emergency rooms in 2005, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons