Material Handling Safety

The Scope of the Problem:

As the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates, over 36% of injuries resulting in missed work are due to shoulder and back injuries. This statistic underscores the significant impact of improper material handling on worker health. These injuries are often cumulative, resulting from repetitive strain and poor lifting techniques.

Safe Lifting Practices:

Plan the Lift:

• • Assess the weight and size of the object.

  • Determine the best way to grip it.

  • Clear a path and ensure the destination is ready.  

Position Yourself:

• • Stand close to the object with your feet shoulder-width apart for a stable base.

  • Bend your knees, not your back.  

  • Maintain a straight back and keep your head up.  

Grip and Lift:

• • Get a firm grip on the object.

  • Lift with your leg muscles, keeping the object close to your body.  

  • Avoid twisting your body while lifting.  

Lowering:

• • Lower the object by bending your knees, keeping your back straight.

  • Set the object down gently.

Team Lifting:

• • For heavy or awkward objects, use team lifting.

  • Communicate with your teammates and coordinate your movements.  

  • Explaining which direction you're intending to twist, or move will help who's helping you move without awkwardness.

Environmental Factors:

Floor Conditions:

• • Slippery or uneven floors increase the risk of slips and falls while carrying heavy loads.

  • Keep floors clean and dry where possible.

Lighting:

• • Poor lighting can make it difficult to see obstacles or properly assess the weight and size of objects.  

  • Ensure adequate lighting in work areas.

Confined Spaces:

• • Working in tight spaces can limit your ability to use proper lifting techniques.

  • Plan ahead and use mechanical aids whenever possible.

Bending, Reaching, and Carrying Unbalanced Loads:

Bending:

• • Avoid bending at the waist. Bend your knees and keep your back straight.  

Reaching:

• • Avoid reaching too far for objects. Move closer or use a tool to extend your reach.

  • Over reaching places undue stress on the back, and shoulders.  

Carrying Unbalanced Loads:

• • Unbalanced loads can shift and cause you to lose your balance.

  • Distribute weight evenly or use mechanical aids.  

Effects of Cold and Heat:

Cold:

• • Cold temperatures can reduce muscle flexibility and increase the risk of strains.  

  • Wear appropriate clothing and warm up your muscles before lifting.

Heat:

• • Heat can cause fatigue and dehydration, increasing the risk of accidents.  

  • Stay hydrated and take breaks in cooler areas.

Tools and Equipment:

Hand Trucks and Dollies:

• • Use hand trucks and dollies to move heavy or bulky objects.  

Lifting Straps and Belts:

• • Use lifting straps and belts to provide a better grip on objects.  

Back Supports:

• • Back supports can help stabilize the back and reduce strain.  

Gloves:

• • Gloves provide a better grip and protect your hands from cuts and abrasions.

Safety Shoes:

• • Safety shoes protect your feet from falling objects.  

Shoulder braces:

• • These braces can help to support the shoulder, and reduce the risk of injury.  

Purpose and Function:

Intra-abdominal Pressure:

• • The primary function of a lifting belt is to increase intra-abdominal pressure.  

  • When you tighten the belt and brace your core, you create pressure within your abdominal cavity.  

  • This pressure helps to stabilize the spine and reduce stress on the lower back.  

Spinal Support:

• • By increasing intra-abdominal pressure, lifting belts provide external support to the spine, helping to maintain proper alignment during lifting.

  • This can be particularly beneficial when lifting heavy loads that place stress on the lower back.  

Proprioceptive Feedback:

• • Lifting belts can provide proprioceptive feedback, which is the body's awareness of its position in space.  

  • This feedback can help you maintain proper posture and lifting technique.  

Proper Use:

Correct Placement:

• • The belt should be worn around the waist, just above the hip bones.  

  • It should be snug but not overly tight. You should be able to fit a few fingers between the belt and your body.

Bracing Technique:

• • To maximize the benefits of the belt, you must brace your core muscles.

  • Take a deep breath and tighten your abdominal muscles as if you're preparing to be punched in the stomach.

  • Maintain this bracing throughout the lift.

When to Use:

• • Lifting belts are most effective when lifting heavy loads that place significant stress on the lower back.  

  • They are not intended for continuous wear throughout the workday.

  • They are better used during the actual act of lifting, and loosened between lifts.

Not a Substitute for Proper Technique:

• • Lifting belts should be used as a supplement to proper lifting technique, not as a replacement.  

  • Focus on maintaining a straight back, bending your knees, and lifting with your legs.

Potential Risks and Misconceptions:

Dependence:

• • Some experts believe that overreliance on lifting belts can weaken core muscles over time.

  • The concern is that the belt may provide excessive external support, reducing the need for the core muscles to engage.

Increased Blood Pressure:

• • Wearing a lifting belt can temporarily increase blood pressure.  

  • Individuals with hypertension or other cardiovascular conditions should consult with their doctor before using a lifting belt.

False Sense of Security:

• • Lifting belts can create a false sense of security, leading to overconfidence and improper lifting technique.

  • It's important to remember that the belt is not a magic solution and that proper technique is still essential.

  • It is important to remember that they are not designed to prevent injuries from every possible cause.

Key Considerations:

• Choose a high-quality lifting belt that provides adequate support.

• Practice proper lifting technique with and without the belt.

• Avoid over reliance on the belt and focus on strengthening your core muscles.

Types of Lifting Assist Straps (including Forearm Forklifts):

• Forearm Forklifts: This popular design consists of two adjustable straps that go under the object being lifted and loop around the lifters' forearms. This leverages the stronger muscles of the legs and core, reducing strain on the back, shoulders, and hands. They are particularly useful for moving bulky items like furniture and appliances.  

• Shoulder Dolly: This system involves harnesses worn by two people, with a strong strap running between them that goes under the object. The weight is primarily supported by the shoulders, allowing for an upright posture and easier navigation of stairs and tight spaces.  

• Lifting Straps with Handles: These straps are designed with multiple handles along their length, allowing for various lifting positions and weight distribution. They are often used for carrying patients or individuals with limited mobility. Examples include PAL Straps and Samson Straps.  

• Simple Lifting Straps (Webbing Slings): These are basic, strong straps made of materials like nylon or polyester. They can be used in various configurations to lift and move objects, often in conjunction with lifting equipment or by multiple people.

• Weightlifting Straps: While designed for weightlifting to improve grip on barbells and dumbbells, these are a different category and not typically used for moving large objects.  

How Forearm Forklifts and Similar Straps Work:

The core principle behind most lifting assist straps is weight distribution. By using stronger parts of the body (like the forearms, shoulders, and legs) to bear the load, these straps reduce the stress on weaker areas like the back and hands, which are more prone to injury during lifting. They also often improve leverage, making the object feel lighter and easier to control.  

Benefits of Using Lifting Assist Straps (like Forearm Forklifts):

• Reduced Risk of Injury: By promoting proper lifting techniques and distributing weight, these straps significantly lower the risk of back strains, sprains, and other injuries.

• Easier Lifting of Heavy Objects: They allow individuals or small teams to move items that would otherwise be too heavy or awkward to handle safely.

• Improved Grip and Control: The straps provide a more secure grip on the object, reducing the chances of dropping it and causing damage or injury.

• Increased Efficiency: Moving can be done more quickly and with less effort, saving time and energy.

• Protection of Floors and Walls: By lifting items off the ground, straps can help prevent scratches, dents, and scuffs that might occur when dragging or using dollies.  

• Versatility: Many types of lifting straps can be adjusted to accommodate objects of different sizes and shapes.  

Considerations:

• Proper Usage is Key: It's essential to use lifting assist straps correctly to maximize their benefits and avoid potential hazards. Following the manufacturer's instructions and practicing with lighter loads is recommended.

• Teamwork: Some lifting strap systems, like the Shoulder Dolly, require two people working in coordination.

• Limitations: While helpful, lifting straps have weight limits, and the user still needs to be physically capable of supporting and moving the load.

Teflon (PTFE) Sliders for Carpet:

• Why Teflon? Carpet creates a lot of friction due to its fibers. Teflon, a type of fluoropolymer, has an exceptionally low coefficient of friction. This slick surface allows furniture to glide smoothly over carpet fibers with minimal resistance.  

• Design: Carpet sliders typically feature a hard, smooth Teflon base. This rigid surface won't sink into the carpet pile and will slide across the top of the fibers. The top of the slider often has a foam or rubber padding to grip the furniture leg and prevent it from slipping from under furniture as items are pushed/pulled.  

• Benefits on Carpet:

  • Effortless Movement: Reduces the force needed to move heavy items across carpet.

  • Protection for Carpet: Prevents furniture legs from snagging, tearing, or distorting carpet fibers.

  • Stability: The rigid base provides a stable platform for moving furniture.

• Considerations for Carpet:

  • Pile Height: Very thick or plush carpets might still offer some resistance, even with Teflon sliders.

  • Cleanliness: Ensure the sliders and the carpet are relatively clean to avoid trapping dirt or debris that could hinder movement.

Felt Sliders for Hard Surfaces (Wood, Laminate, Tile, Vinyl):

• Why Felt? Hard surfaces are prone to scratching and scuffing. Felt is a soft, non-abrasive material that provides a protective layer between the furniture leg and the floor. It allows for smooth, quiet movement without causing damage.

• Design: Hard surface sliders typically have a soft felt base. The thickness and density of the felt can vary. The top, similar to carpet sliders, often has a foam padding to secure it to the furniture you're moving.

• Benefits on Hard Surfaces:

  • Scratch Prevention: The soft felt protects delicate surfaces from scratches and scuffs.

  • Quiet Movement: Felt reduces the scraping and noise associated with moving furniture on hard floors.  

  • Smooth Gliding: Allows furniture to slide easily without catching on imperfections in the floor.

• Considerations for Hard Surfaces:

  • Debris: Regularly check and clean the felt base of the sliders. Trapped dirt or grit can become abrasive and potentially scratch the floor.

  • Moisture: Avoid using felt sliders on wet floors as the felt can absorb moisture and lose its effectiveness or even damage the floor.  

  • Weight Distribution: Ensure the weight of the furniture is evenly distributed across all sliders to prevent excessive pressure on any single point.

How to Use Furniture Sliders Effectively (for both types):

1. Prepare the Furniture: Remove any items from inside or on top of the furniture to reduce its weight.

2. Clean the Floor: Ensure the floor surface is relatively clean and free of debris that could interfere with the sliders.

3. Position the Sliders:

   • Slightly Lift (lift just enough to place the slider): Carefully lift one corner or side of the furniture just enough to slide a slider underneath each leg or supporting point. For heavier items, you may need a helper.

   • Center the Leg: Make sure each furniture leg is centered on the slider as much as possible to ensure even weight distribution and stability.

   • Smooth Side Down: For carpet, the smooth Teflon side goes down. For hard surfaces, the soft felt side goes down.

4. Move the Furniture:

   • Push Gently: Apply steady, controlled pressure to push the furniture in the desired direction. Avoid jerky movements.

   • Guide and Maneuver: If needed, have a helper guide the other end of the furniture.

   • Take Breaks: Moving heavy items can be strenuous. Take breaks to avoid injury.

5. Remove the Sliders (lift just enough to place the slider): Once the furniture is in its new position, carefully lift each corner or side again to remove the sliders. Store them for future use.

Important Considerations:

• Weight Capacity: Be aware of the weight capacity of your furniture sliders. Using sliders that are not rated for the weight of your furniture can cause them to break or damage your floors. 

  • If you notice the weight is attempting to crush the plastic of the slider, either double the sliders, or add a more durable piece of material between the foam & the furniture.

• Size and Shape: Choose sliders that are appropriately sized for the legs of your furniture. They should provide adequate support.

• Count: We should have at least 8 of each, preferably 12 of each type.

• Permanent vs. Temporary: Some sliders are designed to be left on furniture permanently for easy repositioning, while others are meant for temporary use during moves. We should be purchasing the larger temporary units.

• Test First: Before moving very heavy or delicate items, test the sliders on a small, inconspicuous area of your floor to ensure they don't cause any damage.

How It Works:

1. Preparation:

   • Clear the Path: Ensure the route is free of obstacles, including small objects, rugs, and uneven surfaces.

   • Protect the Floor: While the blanket helps, assess your floor. Very delicate surfaces might still be at risk, and additional protection like cardboard underneath the object & the blanket might be necessary.

   • Gather Blankets: Use thick, durable packing blankets. The size should be sufficient to fully encompass the base of the object with some overlap if possible.

   • Enlist Help (If Necessary): For very heavy or awkward items, having a spotter or an extra person to help guide and ensure stability is crucial.

2. Positioning the Object:

   • Slightly Lift or Tilt: Carefully try to lift one edge of the object enough to slide a portion of the blanket underneath. For very heavy items, you might need levers or furniture dollies to initially get the blanket in place.

   • Center the Object: Ensure the object's weight is distributed as evenly as possible on the blanket.

3. Dragging the Object:

   • Grip the Blanket: Find secure points to grip the edges of the blanket. This might involve folding over edges to create handles or simply grabbing a sturdy section.

   • Pull Slowly and Steadily: Apply consistent, controlled force to drag the blanket and the object. Avoid jerky movements.

   • Guide and Maneuver: Work with your helper (ideally you have one) to steer the object. Gentle pushes and pulls on different parts of the blanket can help with directional changes.

   • Take Breaks: Moving heavy items is strenuous. Take breaks to avoid injury.

4. Positioning the Object at the Destination:

   • Slow Down: As you approach the final location, reduce your pulling force to allow for precise positioning.

   • Carefully Remove the Blanket: Once the object is in place, gently lift or tilt it to remove the packing blanket.

Advantages of Using Packing Blankets for Dragging:

• Reduced Strain: Compared to trying to lift and carry the entire weight, dragging on a blanket significantly reduces the strain on your back and limbs.

• Easier Maneuvering: The sliding action allows for easier movement around corners and through doorways compared to trying to awkwardly carry a large object.

• Floor Protection: The blanket acts as a buffer, minimizing the risk of scratches and damage to hardwood, laminate, or tile floors.

• Cost-Effective: Packing blankets are relatively inexpensive and often readily available, especially if you're in the process of moving.

• Versatility: This technique can be used for a wide range of heavy and bulky items that might be difficult to move otherwise.

Disadvantages and Considerations:

• Floor Surface: This method works best on smooth, level surfaces. It will be much harder on carpet or uneven floors.

• Weight Limits: Extremely heavy objects might still be difficult to move even with a blanket. Be realistic about what you can safely handle.

• Potential for Tearing: While durable, packing blankets can tear under extreme weight or if snagged on sharp edges.

• Control: Steering and controlling the object can be challenging, especially with very large or oddly shaped items.

• Safety: Always prioritize safety. Use proper body mechanics, wear appropriate footwear, and get help when needed. Avoid dragging objects on steep inclines.