Wake up muscles before unloading
A forklift will place materials reasonably close to where they are needed. After that, often it's necessary to unload a skid or pallet by hand.
On some construction sites, workers are taking a few minutes to do stretching exercises before tackling an unloading job. It's a good idea because stretching warms up muscles and tendons and prepares them for work. Stretching your muscles before starting an unloading job could prevent strains, sprains and muscle injuries.
Combining exercise and safe lifting practices could very well protect you from an injury.
Consider these points before moving materials:
* Go over your path. Make sure all trip hazards are removed and that others know of your intentions.
* Don't lift heavy objects from ground level if you can avoid it and don't try to carry loads that are too heavy on your own. Get help.
* Long materials like pipes and lumber may not be heavy, but could pose a balance problem.
* Find a helper to share the work.
* Take frequent rest breaks to prevent muscle fatigue when you are unloading a number of items.
Remember the basics of good lifting:
1. Size up the load. Test its weight by lifting a corner. If it's too heavy or awkward, get help, get a mechanical lifting device or split up the load.
2. Place your feet close to the object.
3. Bend your knees and get a good handhold.
4. Smoothly lift straight up. Allow your legs, not your back, to do the work.
5. Don't twist or turn your body after you have made the lift. Keep the load close to you and keep it steady.
6. Set the load down by lowering it slowly, bending your knees and letting your legs do most of the work. Don't let go until it is secure on the floor.
