NEWS

Sustained Quality Group practices safety first, safety always.

It is important to prepare your body for work. Keep these stretching and lifting tips in mind to reduce risk of injury:

Stretching

Always warm-up your back and legs before performing any lifting task!

Low Back Rotation Stretch – Stand with hands on hips. Stabilizing the hips and legs, gently roll your upper body forward, right, backward, and left to stretch your lower back. Perform 5 slow circles gradually expanding the circle each time. Repeat in the opposite direction.

Hamstring & Achilles Stretch – Position your body with one leg forward and the toes of that foot raised up. Keep your back straight while you bend forward at the waist. You should feel a stretch in the back of your thigh and knee. Then shift your weight onto your forward leg and bend knee, keep the back leg straight and heel on floor. Hold each stretch for 20 seconds. Perform each stretch 2 times for each leg.

Lifting Techniques

• Get as close to the object as possible.
• Use a wide stance with one foot forward and to the side of the object for good balance.
• Keep your back straight, push your buttocks out, and use your legs and hips to lower yourself down to the object.
• Slide the object as close to you as possible.
• Put the hand (same side of your body as the forward foot) on the side of the object furthest from you.
• Use this basic lifting technique for small objects when you can straddle the load and use a wide stance.
• Put the other hand on the side of the object closest to you. Your hands should be on opposite corners.
• Grasp the object firmly with both hands.
• Prepare for the lift, tighten your core muscles, look forward and upward, keep a straight and strong back.
• Lift slowly and follow your head and shoulders. Hold the load close to your body. Lift by extending your legs with your back straight and breathe out as you lift.

Lifting Do’s and Don’ts –

DO…

• Know or test the object weight.
• Use ergonomic lift assists when possible.
• Plan the lift and clear your path.
• Get help for heavy or awkward loads.
• Keep the object in the power zone.
• Use a wide stance for balance.
• Use your legs to lift.
• Pivot your feet to avoid twisting.

DON’T…

• Don’t hold your breath.
• Don’t bend or twist at the waist.
• Don’t use a partial grip (1-2 fingers).
• Don’t obstruct your vision when when carrying.
• Don’t jerk or lift quickly.
• Don’t pinch you fingers or toes.
• Don’t pull a load if you can push it.