Handle Materials, And Yourself, With Care

Here are some examples of work practices that have potential for injury:

• Pallet unloading — Removing items layer-by-layer can force workers to reach repeatedly to the back of the pallet to pull and handle cases.
• Taking shortcuts — Reaching across a pallet or other obstruction with a load rather than walking around it prevents keeping the load close to the body and adds stress to the shoulders and upper back.
• Unexpected exertions — Even experienced workers will encounter situations where a box weighs more than expected, falls apart, or sticks to another one.
• Skipping break periods — Breaks are very important in heavy, physical work.
• Lifting technique — Plan ahead, and lift only what you can handle safely.

Unless you learn and use the safest, most efficient methods to perform your tasks, you risk a lifetime of pain and discomfort.