Handling Materials Safely

Almost every worker handles materials at some point during the work day. Using the right method of moving materials combined with the correct personal protective equipment is the only way to reduce the threat of injury.

If you are at all unsure of:

• what protective equipment you should be wearing;
• how to operate hand carts or forklifts;
• how to lift properly, or;
• how to store materials,

Then, talk to your supervisor!

Roughly 75 per cent of all material handling workers will suffer a back injury at some time during their working life. Using a hand cart, instead of your strength when moving objects can save you from a stress injury.

If you have to lift, use correct lifting and moving methods for loads within your strength limit combined with proper protective equipment.