Toolbox Talks Material Handling

It’s hard to avoid the manual handling of material while at work. At any given point in time, you may have to move boxes of materials, heavy metal objects, or anything else for that matter! Regardless of what you’re handling, you need to consider how you can protect yourself from the dangers associated with this task. Check our our Toolbox Talks material handling messages below, and share with your crew!

Toolbox Talks Material Handling #1

Prevent Back Injuries: It’s important to take the proper steps to protect your back while performing your work. Many workers who have injured their back at work can experience years of discomfort and sometimes even a disability. There are many factors that can contribute to back injuries including repetitive motion over time, lifting loads that are too heavy, and even improper lifting techniques. To prevent back injuries, it’s important to practice proper lifting techniques. Remember to lift with your legs and not with your back. Avoid leaning or bending over for extended periods, as this can cause weakness in the lower back over time. It’s also good practice to stretch and exercise your back before starting your work each day. If an item is too heavy to lift, ask a co-worker help.

Toolbox Talks Material Handling #2

Need Help Lifting That? Ask Your Co-workers! Depending on the size of your team, at times you may find it difficult to find an available co-worker to assist you with a task. This may not seem like a big deal, however, this type of situation can cause you to take on too much yourself. This can be dangerous because you can overexert yourself and put yourself at risk of injury. Many workplace injuries result from overexertion caused by lifting pulling or pushing objects. Overexertion is when you sprain a ligament or strain a tendon or a muscle and occurs when the amount of work attempted exceeds the limits of the body parts doing the work. Before starting a task that requires additional man power, take the time to ask a co-worker for help – even if you must wait until someone is available.

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