Back injuries are among the most frequent and costly type of insurance claims submitted by church employees and volunteers. Many organizations focus their loss prevention efforts on people who routinely lift, but injuries occur more frequently to those who don't regularly perform manual material handling. Therefore, it is important to share the following safe lifting methods with all church employees and volunteers. Churches are encouraged to spend a few moments discussing safe practices before beginning any work requiring physical labor.
Alternatives to manual lifting
Different types of materials may require different lifting approaches.
Furniture:
Picking up and moving chairs and furniture during the set-up and take-down process for church services and events may not seem too difficult. The concern here is the number of times a lift is occurring. If possible, slide chairs rather than lifting or carrying them. Furniture can be easily moved using floor-saver nylon glides that are easily obtained through home centers and hardware stores.
Boxed items:
Using dollies or carts to move boxes, files, large books and copy machine paper is a better alternative to manually lifting these items. In other words, work smarter, not harder.
Children in daycare and Sunday school:
Using appropriate techniques for lifting children is important. When possible, avoid lifting by kneeling to the child's level. Some younger children may weigh 30 or more pounds and require lifting many times during the day. In these cases, a halfkneeling lift from the floor may provide for a safer lift. In this position, the adult places one knee on the ground with the other leg slightly bent. Hold the child close to your center of gravity and use your legs to push to a standing position without turning or twisting. Avoid carrying children on one hip as this places uneven distribution of weight on the spine. Last, children should be taught to hold onto your body rather than leaning away.
Manual lifting
Not every object can be easily moved using material handling equipment such as carts, dollies, lifting straps or hand jacks. When manual lifts are necessary, keep a few basic tips in mind to avoid an injury.
Avoid:
- Bending at the waist.
- Twisting at the waist.
- Overhead reaches.
- Lifting more than you are capable(typically 50 lbs. or greater without assistance)
Use:
- Material handling equipment whenever possible rather than brute strength
- Team lifts for heavier objects or those that are bulky or awkward
Remember:
- The safest lifting zone area is between your knees and your shoulders. Lifting an item off the floor or lifting an item higher than your shoulders places a greater strain on your body.
The lift:
- Stay in good physical shape. Don’t underestimate the importance of being in good physical condition.
- Size up the load. Never lift more than you can comfortably handle.
- Reduce the size of the load or get help – better to make two trips with smaller loads then one trip with an oversized load.
- Position feet firmly with one foot beside the load to be lifted and the other just in front of the load.
- Get a firm grip on the load, with your fingers under it if possible.
- Prepare your back, legs, hips, hands and arms to take the load.
- Keep the load close to you. Avoid reaching as you lift.
- Lift slowly and gradually. Do not make sudden jerking motions which may cause you to overexert.
- Never twist at the waist. Move your feet to change direction or turn.
- Walk slowly, keeping the load in front of you and turn by moving your feet.
- Make sure you can see where you are going. If your load obscures your sight, get someone to help direct you.
- Put the load down slowly, again, if possible, place it no lower than your knees.
- Again, keep the load close to you. Avoid reaching as the load is lowered.
Related Articles:
Organizing storage areas
Lessons of Loss
Manual Material Handling
The information in this publication was compiled by Zurich Services Corporation from sources believed to be reliable. We do not guarantee the accuracy of this information or any results and further assume no liability in connection with this publication, including any information, methods or safety suggestions contained herein. Moreover, Zurich Services Corporation reminds you that this publication cannot be assumed to contain every acceptable safety and compliance procedure or that additional procedures might not be appropriate under the circumstances. The subject matter of this publication is not tied to any specific insurance product nor will adopting these procedures insure coverage under any insurance policy. ©2008 Zurich Services Corporation