Slide 1:BACK INJURY PREVENTION GICC CONSTRUCTION Gulf Intracoastal Construction Company


Back injuries = 80% of lost work days! :Back injuries = 80% of lost work days! Your back may be injured by just ONE wrong move… Muscle Spasms- tension or stress on your back muscles. Strains/ Sprains- too much exertion of weak muscles or improper lifting. Slipped Discs- tears that damage the disc between vertebrae that cause the vertebrae to rub together and irritate and/or damage spinal nerves. Hernias- a rupture in the abdominal wall caused by strains from lifting.


Foreman Responsability :Foreman Responsability A Foreman's primary responsibility is to direct the work and provide the safest work environment possible. “I remind the crews everyday of the importance of 100% tieoff .“ “I myself have not had a back injury but have witnessed a few. An employee was working on a scaffold welding on a casing wall when the board broke sending the employee 15’ to the hopper floor severely injuring his lower back .”


What a Foreman should ask himself every day. :What a Foreman should ask himself every day. As a foreman, how have I kept my crews, especially the inexperienced employee’s and new hires, from injuring their backs? I teach my crew from day one… “DON’T BE A HERO!” “I let my crew know that it is always okay to ask for help if they need it. I try to instill some common sense… don’t lift more than is reasonable; cut the weight of the load by moving only half of it at a time, or lift and move one piece at a time instead of trying to move it too quickly.”


GICC CONSTRUCTIONGulf Intracoastal Construction Company :GICC CONSTRUCTIONGulf Intracoastal Construction Company “ I have seen many changes over the years involving safety.” I try to teach people good habits rather than try to change bad ones. “About 20 yrs ago I injured my back climbing columns. We didn’t have the equipment we do today. This injury effects me every day of my life so I try to use this to teach other people the proper way to complete a task. The best advise I can give my crew is never be afraid to ask for help or guidance.”


GICC CONSTRUCTIONGulf Intracoastal Construction Company :GICC CONSTRUCTIONGulf Intracoastal Construction Company How do I prevent injuries to my back? “It is just natural human instinct to bend over with your back to lift, but I try to remind myself to always bend at my knees.” “I have two sons who are both involved in sports. I always tell them that if they take care of themselves now, it will pay off later. When I am at home my sons and wife help me take care of chores around the house. If I am lifting the wrong way, I know that they will too. Family is the most important thing to me, I know that I must lead by example.”


Crew Speak: Aaron Koller Laborer- 5 Years Sub-Contractor :Crew Speak: Aaron Koller Laborer- 5 Years Sub-Contractor “I injured myself on the job a few years ago when I tried to carry an 8’ long 2 x 4 up several flights of stairs. When I turned to take the next flight up I only turned my feet, causing me to twist my lower back. I was on light-duty for two months after that. I absolutely hated it… the pain, the steroid shots and all of the medications made me sick! Now I remind myself of that injury each and every time that I start to lift any material.” “The more I hurry in order to get the job done quickly, the more likely I am to get myself hurt!”


GICC CONSTRUCTIONGulf Intracoastal Construction CompanyIdentify the Hazards :GICC CONSTRUCTIONGulf Intracoastal Construction CompanyIdentify the Hazards The most effective method of safe lifting is to lift as little as possible! Plan operations so materials and tools only have to be moved and placed once. Use equipment- such as hand trucks, hoists or dollies whenever possible. Get another person to help lift heavy or awkward objects. Do not lift more than you are able and never more than 50 lbs. without a person who is properly able to assist you.


GICC CONSTRUCTIONGulf Intracoastal Construction CompanyProtection against Hazards :GICC CONSTRUCTIONGulf Intracoastal Construction CompanyProtection against Hazards Choose the straightest, flattest and clearest route to your destination. Look for places to stop and rest along the way. Remove any possible trip hazards along your route prior to lifting item. Ensure unloading area is clear. Lift a corner to check for weight and stability. Wear gloves that provide a good grip and shoes with nonskid soles. Do not walk backwards.


GICC CONSTRUCTIONGulf Intracoastal Construction Company :GICC CONSTRUCTIONGulf Intracoastal Construction Company Stand close to the load with both feet firm on the ground, about shoulder width apart. Squat down close to the load: make sure to keep back straight, knees bent, and stomach muscles tight. Grip load firmly with your whole hand, not just fingers. STAND UP SLOWLY! Ensure you have a good grip and you can see where you’re going. DO NOT TWIST YOUR BACK-Change direction with your feet! Keys to Lifting Properly…


GICC CONSTRUCTIONGulf Intracoastal Construction Company :GICC CONSTRUCTIONGulf Intracoastal Construction Company Lowering Loads- LOWER LOADS SLOWLY! Bend your knees so your legs do the work. Place load on the edge of the surface and slide it back, ensuring your fingers are not in a pinch point. To lift with another person, look for somebody about the same height and decide which of you will say “where and when” to move. At the signal, lift and rise together following proper procedures. When you are ready to move, keep the load at the same level and move together, then unload together. Keys to Lowering Loads Properly…


GICC CONSTRUCTIONGulf Intracoastal Construction Company :Participate in the Stretch N’ Flex program! Break large loads into several smaller ones, whenever possible. Push, instead of pulling, heavy objects forward. Carry heavy loads no higher than your waist, light loads no higher than your shoulders. Avoid trip hazards- Keep work area neat! Think… Safety begins with you! Ask for help when needed! GICC CONSTRUCTIONGulf Intracoastal Construction Company


Ask yourself: How can I lift and carry these materials safely? :Ask yourself: How can I lift and carry these materials safely? Improper lifting technique Proper lifting technique


Workplace Scenario:It is nearing the end of my shift and the foreman asked that I move this load of forms before I go. My coworker just left the area to get a drink of water. I am hot, tired and I need to finish this task so that I can go home. :Workplace Scenario:It is nearing the end of my shift and the foreman asked that I move this load of forms before I go. My coworker just left the area to get a drink of water. I am hot, tired and I need to finish this task so that I can go home. Improper lifting Proper lifting Is it safe to move these forms by myself?


You are part of the solution! If you can find a better, safer way of lifting, be sure to make recommendations to your supervisor. :You are part of the solution! If you can find a better, safer way of lifting, be sure to make recommendations to your supervisor. A team effort in reducing back injuries is a worthwhile activity!