Construction work is known for being physically demanding, which is why it’s essential to keep the body in good condition. However, strength alone is not enough to handle the lifting tasks involved. The truth is that a lack of technique and proper decision-making can actually make workers more injury-prone.
Why Construction Workers Need to Lift More Carefully
Lifting heavy items without proper technique can be dangerous for construction workers. For instance, handling heavy loads and repetitive stress can cause work-related musculoskeletal disorders, which can injure the muscles, tendons, nerves and even bones. Lower back pain is one of the most common outcomes, but other, more serious conditions can occur.
The construction sector is not the only industry at risk, though it is one of the more prominent. A study on musculoskeletal disorders found that groups that frequently perform walking and loading activities, such as construction workers, had a greater prevalence of osteoporosis in the lumbar spine.
Health and quality of life aren’t the only things jeopardized by improper lifting. Injuries can bring about financial expenses and lost wages. Some may even face setbacks so severe that they are forced out of the trade.
Situations That Require Heavy Lifting
Skipping out on heavy lifting as a contractor isn’t an option. In fact, 90% of construction work involves manual handling of materials, accounting for approximately half of a worker’s time. It’s present in building, excavating, land grading and several other phases of a project.
That said, moving lightweight objects can also pose a problem when held incorrectly. Regular lifting without proper technique or preparation can lead to constant and cumulative stress, which can turn into injuries.
Preparing for the Task Ahead
Before implementing safe lifting techniques, workers can make several decisions that would reduce the likelihood of on-site injuries. Here are several tips to keep in mind.
Minimize Strain Off Site
Contractors with existing musculoskeletal pain may find that construction work speeds up the strain on their bodies. Thus, it’s critical to find ways to keep the body in good shape beyond daily duties. For example, a well-balanced diet provides the vitamins and minerals needed to keep bones and muscles healthy.
Another option is to maintain good posture while engaging in other activities. For example, if workers exercise on their off days, practice proper form and learn to take rest periods. These actions would avoid creating initial back pain.
Work With the Landscape
Construction projects conduct site analysis and preparation to identify risks and avoid injuries. Workers can also use the information to determine whether the environment is suitable for manual heavy lifting or whether machinery is necessary.
For example, it’s recommended to excavate slopes under 20 feet in depth if they have a safe slope degree. These variables can still vary depending on the soil type available. If it’s type C soil, the terrain’s slope should be 34° or lower. However, type B soil can be safe when it’s 45° or lower.
Prep and Stretch On Site
Remember to wear personal protective equipment before engaging in any construction work. Contractors without it have about three times the risk of injury as those who use it. Use appropriate gear, such as gloves and boots, when lifting.
It’s also critical to practice some basic stretches like arm circles, leg swings and even squats at the start of the workday. Conditioning muscles before strenuous movements can reduce strain and even enhance lifting performance.
Lifting Techniques to Stay Safe
After proper preparation, it’s time to explore safe manual lifting techniques. Workers can either conduct the tasks solo or need assistance, either from other team members or from machinery.
The Five-Point Lifting Method
When lifting an object alone, it’s critical to keep these five main guidelines:
- Plant the feet shoulder-width apart
- Bend at the hips and knees when grabbing the object
- Grip the load firmly and lift with the knees and legs
- Keep the back straight while holding the load close
- Look straightforward and take small, steady steps
Lifting with the knees and legs is one of the most important things to remember, as it helps secure the load and distribute pressure throughout the body. Engaging the core muscles is a good sign that the technique is being executed properly.
Be wary of other movements that can compromise the ergonomics of this stance. For instance, some workers may hold their breath when lifting or moving a load, even though it’s better to keep breathing throughout the process. Others may also attempt lifting a heavy item above shoulder level, even though it’s typically riskier. It’s best to keep objects at waist level.
Conducting Two-Person or Team Lifts
Some heavy-lifting tasks are two-person jobs, while others require multiple team members. The weight limit is often the basis, but other factors, such as vision obstruction and the travel distance between point A and point B, should be accounted for as well. It’s also recommended to assess the duration of lifting tasks and the frequency of breaks during an 8-hour workday.
When handling these materials, it’s critical to practice communication and coordination. Everyone should be on the same page about how to hold the object and where to bring it, to avoid delays, especially with oddly shaped items, like drywall sheets or long pipes.
Utilizing Machinery When Needed
Operating lifting equipment is an underrated skill, but it’s a critical decision when the nature and size of the load are beyond people’s ability to handle on their own. There are many options available, from forklifts to cranes and much more. Assign qualified operators to the appropriate machinery for safe handling.
Lift With a Level Head
A construction worker’s physical body is one of their greatest assets in this line of work, which is why it’s critical to keep it strong and free of injuries. Utilizing safe lifting techniques and being mindful when preparing for the tasks can help protect long-term health.
SEE ALSO: MIND THE GAP: ENSURING PROPER EDGE FALL PROTECTION
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