We are constantly looking for new ways to keep school district employees safe. To that end, we would like to use this space to make you aware of new products on the market. Recently, we noticed a product called a “forearm forklift” that looked like it may aid in safe lifting when used properly.
We have a set to give away if your district would like to give them a try, just send us an email at [email protected] to enter your district for a chance to win, and check out the Consumer Reports video below to see whether this could be helpful at your district.
Related Best Practices
Lifting can be dangerous – lifting too much, or in the wrong posture, could cause a severe injury. A total of 1.2 million injuries and illnesses in private industry required recuperation away from work beyond the day of injury in 2015, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. More than 40% of these injuries are sprains or strains, often to the trunk or legs, stemming from overexertion or contacts with objects or equipment. With that in mind, we’d like to provide a few tips on best practices to keep employees safe while lifting.
Encourage staff to:
- Stay active
- Stretch
- Strengthen
Discourage staff from these lifting mistakes:
- Awkward posture
- Overexertion
- Repetition
- Fatigue
Train employees to analyze each lift no matter how big or small it is.
- Slow down and think before lifting.
- Ensure readiness before lifting.
- Consider the potential for injury and get help if needed.
- As much as possible, use your legs and not your back.
- When possible, use equipment. For example, a hand truck, or the lifting straps shown above.
