Work Injury Info

If your line of work involves carrying heavy loads of material, then you’ll surely know – or maybe even experienced – this. Back injury commonly stems from improper lifting of a heavy load. It can also result from having bad posture, or even just having an improper diet or sustenance of nutrients. Nevertheless, having this unfortunate condition may lead to not just pain and stress – it can even lead to the loss of work, unnecessary medical expenses and worse, fatal accidents.

To prevent back injuries from happening, you’d need to know how to properly lift loads. Here are a few guidelines to help you achieve just that:

Level with me
As much possible, keep whatever load you’re carrying close to your body. A closer an object is to the center of your body, the less strain and stress is done to your back.

Straight as an arrow
Keep your body straight whenever you lift a load. A slouched position forces the back into an awkward shape. Lifting while in this position can lead to a higher chance of acquiring injury on your back. A straight body posture is also applicable in other scenarios, such as sitting or even plainly walking.

No to below the Knees
Simply bending over to lift an object can lead to back injuries. Whenever your body’s position is shifted to an uncomfortable posture, more stress is also placed towards your back. To prevent you from picking up objects below your knee level, make sure that all to be lifted loads are located and placed in an above the knee, below the shoulders table or area.

Stomach In
Just having a big belly can lead to back injury prone lifting. A protruding stomach is an additional load you will need to consider when lifting.

These are just some basic guidelines on properly lifting objects. However back injury can readily be prevented on the onset, by just simply being in a healthy physical condition. Do this by:

Exercise – regular exercises will help promote your stamina, giving you the drive to lift heavy objects.

Diet – stock up on calcium and Vitamin D. These nutrients help enhance your spine’s strength.

Posture – again with the posture. It’s as simple as it gets, a slouched back will lead to back injury.

Prevent back injuries by lifting properly, and maintaining a healthy, good-postured lifestyle. Lift yourself from injuries and make sure to stand up straight!