Less Strain/More Gain: Safe Lifting Techniques 

Strong infrastructure is the backbone of a thriving community, requiring a skilled team of workers with an uncanny eye for detail to keep our necessities running. While safety is a top priority, accidents may still happen, especially when entering underground infrastructure. Even simple tasks like opening a manhole cover can lead to disaster if done improperly. 

Dawood In Action: Magnetic Manhole Lifts 

Manhole covers access sewer and water pipes, but be aware — they are heavy and cumbersome, easily causing injuries like muscle strain! To reduce injury and increase efficiency, our employees use a magnetic manhole lift machine. Equipped with powerful magnets to hold the cover in place, wheels that act as a fulcrum, and an adjustable handle to apply downward force, we can safely breeze through the task and lift the cover with ease.  

However, many tasks out in the field still require a hands-on approach, so having a keen eye for safety is a top priority. Unsafe posture, fast-paced work with inadequate breaks, and poorly designed work areas can cause and worsen injuries.  

Train Employees: Proper Lifting Techniques 

The National Safety Council reported that approximately 247,000 workers experienced muscle strain in 2020. Normally caused when overexerting muscles or tendons, workers experience muscle strain from acute circumstances such as a high-demanding day or the cumulative result of long-term repetitive stresses. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends the following tips when lifting: 

1. Good posture: Employees should lift objects with their legs, not their backs. Even smaller objects like screwdrivers can cause muscle strain if an employee bends over to pick it up! 
2. Long duration: Workers may experience muscle strain when holding objects for a prolonged period. Take regular breaks and work in teams. 
3. Poor handholds: Without proper handholds, workers risk dropping objects and injuring themselves. Use handles with enough space for fingers to grip objects securely. If proper handholds are unavailable, notify a supervisor before lifting. 

Lower Your Risk in the Workplace  

Prevention is key! Use these tips below to create a safe work environment: 

• Reduce or eliminate production quotas. Relaxing the pace at which employees work alleviates over-exertion.  
• Incorporate frequent breaks. Affording employees adequate rest periods during a shift helps negate the build-up of muscle and tendon damage.  
• Ensure work areas are designed to meet employee needs. This alleviates overreaching and ensures a more efficient workflow.  

Want to learn more? Check out our safety blogs!