This document provides statistical data on workplace injuries related to lifting, handling objects, and improper body mechanics from September 2011 through March 2012. It shows that 311,280.08 was incurred in claims for these types of injuries. The training aims to reduce future employee injuries by teaching safe lifting and body mechanics techniques.

1. MANUAL MATERIAL HANDLING
&
LIFTING

2. Lets take a look at some statistics before we began the
training. This data will show you how many accidents
have been reported since September 1, 2011 through
March 3, 2012, that involves lifting, handling objects
or improper body mechanics. As this year progress the
data will change and the numbers will increase. By
offering Safety training we hope to see a decrease in
the future of employee injuries and reported
accidents.

3. STATISTICAL DATA 2011/2012
FOR ALL INJURIES RELATED TO LIFTING & HANDLING OBJECTS , INCLUDING INJURIES RELATED
TO IMPROPER BODY MECHANICS.
CLAIM CAUSE INCIDENT TYPE INCURRED AMOUNT
LIFTING ASSISTING STUDENT (lifting) 310.69
LIFTING TRASH/GARBAGE 15.1
LIFTING CARRYING OBJECT 1932.63
LIFTING LIFTING OBJECT 1816
TWISTING WALK/RUN (improper body mechanics) 366.51
TWISTING OBSTACLES (improper body mechanics) 11065.12
TWISTING WALK/RUN (improper body mechanics) 1816
TWISTING WALK/RUN (improper body mechanics) 16.25
TWISTING WALKING SURFACE (improper body mechanics) 1516
TWISTING WALK/RUN (improper body mechanics) 239.44
BENDING JOB TASK (improper body mechanics) 399.15
BENDING LIFTING OBJECT 1816
BODY MOTION JOB DEMANDS (improper body mechanics) 1816
BODY MOTION ASSISTING STUDENT (improper body mechanics) 716
BODY MOTION JOB TASK (improper body mechanics) 1253.41
BODY MOTION EQUIPMENT (improper body mechanics) 8566
BODY MOTION LIFTING OBJECT (improper body mechanics) 4465.1
BODY MOTION RESTRAINING STUDENT (improper body mechanics) 558.86
BODY MOTION WALK/RUN (improper body mechanics) 518.04
BODY MOTION WALK/RUN (improper body mechanics) 318.65
BODY MOTION ASSISTING STUDENT (improper body mechanics) 1516

4. PAGE 2
CLAIM CAUSE INCIDENT TYPE INCURRED AMOUNT
BODY MOTION GOING UP OR DOWN STAIRS (improper body mechanics) 18840.41
BODY MOTION JOB TASK (improper body mechanics) 40340.55
BODY MOTION JOB TASK (improper body mechanics) 1080.7
BODY MOTION JOB TASK (improper body mechanics) 9533.68
BODY MOTION JOB TASK (improper body mechanics) 527.58
BODY MOTION JOB TASK (improper body mechanics) 1816
BODY MOTION JOB TASK (improper body mechanics) 18165.66
CARRYING ASSISTING STUDENT (improper body mechanics) 1816
CARRYING CONTAINERS: BOXES/BARRELS/BINS 332.85
LIFTED OR HANDLED OBJECT LIFTING OBJECT 320.42
LIFTED OR HANDLED OBJECT TRASH/GARBAGE 520.37
LIFTED OR HANDLED OBJECT LIFTING OBJECT 963.42
LIFTED OR HANDLED OBJECT CLOTHING: APPAREL/SHOES/JEWELS 2516
LIFTED OR HANDLED OBJECT TRASH/GARBAGE 37496.2
LIFTED OR HANDLED OBJECT LIFTING OBJECT 1816
LIFTED OR HANDLED OBJECT HAND TOOLS (NON-POWERED) 3316
LIFTED OR HANDLED OBJECT EQUIPMENT - FOOD SERV/KITCHEN 338.44
LIFTED OR HANDLED OBJECT CONTAINERS: BOXES/BARRELS/BINS 474.22
LIFTED OR HANDLED OBJECT CONTAINERS: BOXES/BARRELS/BINS 339.99

5. PAGE 3
CLAIM CAUSE INCIDENT TYPE INCURRED AMOUNT
LIFTED OR HANDLED OBJECT TRASH/GARBAGE 1516
LIFTED OR HANDLED OBJECT FURNITURE 716
LIFTED OR HANDLED OBJECT TRASH/GARBAGE 2816
LIFTED OR HANDLED OBJECT CONTAINERS: BOXES/BARRELS/BINS 1816
LIFTED OR HANDLED OBJECT LIFTING OBJECT 700
LIFTED OR HANDLED OBJECT FURNITURE 716
LIFTED OR HANDLED OBJECT CONTAINERS: BOXES/BARRELS/BINS 390.38
LIFTED OR HANDLED OBJECT JOB TASK 1668.1
LIFTED OR HANDLED OBJECT LIFTING OBJECT 1816
LIFTED OR HANDLED OBJECT LIFTING OBJECT 3720.23
LIFTED OR HANDLED OBJECT FURNITURE 253.6
MISCELLANEOUS STRAIN INJURY PUSH/PULL PATIENT 1516
PUSHING/PULLING ASSISTING STUDENT (improper body mechanics) 319.85
PUSHING/PULLING WHEELCHAIR (improper body mechanics) 708
PUSHING/PULLING PUSH/PULL OBJECT 303.44
PUSHING/PULLING PUSH/PULL OBJECT 46173.95
PUSHING/PULLING PUSH/PULL OBJECT 1816
PUSHING/PULLING PUSH/PULL OBJECT 367.49
PUSHING/PULLING CONTAINERS: BOXES/BARRELS/BINS 401.74
PUSHING/PULLING EQUIPMENT - FOOD SERV/KITCHEN 358.56
REACHING RESTRAINING STUDENT (improper body mechanics) 964.97
STRIKE FALLING/FLYING OBJECT FURNITURE (improper body mechanics) 532

6. PAGE 4
CLAIM CAUSE INCIDENT TYPE INCURRED AMOUNT
STRIKE FALLING/FLYING OBJECT FURNITURE (improper body mechanics) 465.82
STRIKE FALLING/FLYING OBJECT FALLEN PRODUCT (improper body mechanics) 3516
STRIKE FALLING/FLYING OBJECT FURNITURE (improper body mechanics) 485.19
STRIKE FALLING/FLYING OBJECT FALLEN PRODUCT (improper body mechanics) 1216
STRIKE FALLING/FLYING OBJECT BUILDING STRUCTURES: DOORS/ETC (improper body mechanics) 322.92
STRIKE FALLING/FLYING OBJECT FALLEN PRODUCT (improper body mechanics) 1816
STRIKE FALLING/FLYING OBJECT FURNITURE (improper body mechanics) 432.83
STRIKE FALLING/FLYING OBJECT CONTAINERS: BOXES/BARRELS/BINS (improper body mechanics) 131.11
STRIKE FALLING/FLYING OBJECT PLASTIC ITEM (improper body mechanics) 716
STRIKE FALLING/FLYING OBJECT RESTRAINING STUDENT (improper body mechanics) 716
STRUCK BY OBJECT LIFTED/HANDLE CART 348.58
STRUCK BY OBJECT LIFTED/HANDLE CART 15194.16
STRUCK BY OBJECT LIFTED/HANDLE FALLEN PRODUCT 525.55
STRUCK BY OBJECT LIFTED/HANDLE HAND TOOLS (NON-POWERED) 708
STRUCK OBJECT HANDLED BY OTHER FURNITURE 1516
STRUCK OBJECT HANDLED BY OTHER BUILDING STRUCTURES: DOORS/ETC 817.16
STRUCK OBJECT HANDLED BY OTHER BUILDING STRUCTURES: DOORS/ETC 1451.57
STRUCK OBJECT HANDLED BY OTHER EQUIPMENT 470.46
STRUCK OBJECT HANDLED BY OTHER EQUIPMENT 139.71
STRUCK OBJECT HANDLED BY OTHER CLOTHING: APPAREL/SHOES/JEWELS 15584.85
STRUCK OR INJURED BY MISC FIXTURES/FURNITURE/FURNISHINGS 716
STRUCK OR INJURED BY MISC FURNITURE 12808.42

7. PAGE 5
TOTAL AMOUNT INCURRED ON
THESE CLAIMS
311,280.08

8. Severe Workplace Back Injury Requiring Multiple Surgeries
This story is about my father, a man whose struggles and hope has given me the back bone to continue my
minor struggles in life by looking at his grief.
Almost 9 years ago, my father Tom was injured on the job and since has undergone two back operations, both
of which gave him a 50% chance of ever walking again and the inability to ever have children again, countless
visits to the doctors, and a need for pain relief so strong his stomach and liver may eventually pay the
consequences. Chronic sciatica keeps him from his life and the constant back pain and many scars remind him
every day.
Our family fell apart soon after his second operation, my mother leaving him and him left with the feeling of
incompetence, feeling less of a man. He lost all of his muscle in his legs. My father, a once strong man, was left
barely able to walk, hunched over in a grotesque manner. Countless nights I awoke to hear cries coming from
my father's bedroom as he lay in bed with pain. At the age of 12, I had to take over all of the family chores,
cooking and cleaning, and taking on a part time job to help pay our bills. I also lost much of my time with my
father, who was unable to leave the couch for almost days at a time.
His struggles continue to this day. Just yesterday, The Institute for Injured Workers informed him (on the day
of his final appeal) that they felt they would not be able to win his case, and left him in another state of
depression. Countless lawyers, stacks of papers, bills and tears, and still he was left helpless.

9. I have been with my father through this whole ordeal and have watched him fall again and again. I have
had enough. Never have I ever seen anyone work so hard, given as much as he has, and gotten nothing in
return. My father deserves better, like so many others. He lost his ability to work, enjoy life, live a day
without pain, his family, dreams but never his strength. All he wanted was his compensation and maybe a
chance to go back to school so he can once again find a job to pay the bills.
I awoke at 5:00 this morning to the sound of my father sobbing. A grown man crying because he has given
his all and is left helpless. I carry those sounds with me now, and always will. My heart goes out to those in
the same position.
All that is left is pain and it will never go away.

10. The Main causes of and Back Injury
•Poor Posture
•Improper Body Mechanics
•Obesity and Poor Nutrition
•Not using proper tools/equipment.
•Working in fast paced/stressful environments.

11. What is Manual Material Handling??
Manual Materials Handling (MMH) is the act of manually loading, unloading and moving of
objects. It may include lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.
Manual Material Handling Hazards:
 Awkward / Sustained posture – When performing MMH tasks the use of awkward
postures place the individual at higher risk of injury. Examples of these postures include:
bending through your back, overhead reaching, twisting through the back, etc. Extended
exposure to these postures increases the risk further.
 Forceful exertions – There is a limit to the amount of weight a person can handle without
increasing their risk of injury. This limit is different for each person. Know and respect your
limits. Use mechanical aids wherever possible, i.e. mechanical lift, scissor lift, overhead
crane, wheel carts, turn tables, etc.

12. HOW TO CONTROL HAZARDS:
To help prevent MMH injuries, employers and workers need to:
 Spot the hazard – Identify conditions that prevent you from using proper MMH technique's
 Assess the risk – Test the weight of the materials before handling
 If the weight is too heavy do not handle without assistance
 Does the material shape or surface make it hard to hold?
 Is the load balanced?
 Does the weight shift when handled?
 Is the path clear of obstacles and debris?
 Find a safer way – Always use proper techniques to lift, carry, push, and pull.
 Design work area to allow proper posture and eliminate restricted or awkward postures.
 Ask for assistance with the materials handling task.
 Everyday – It is your right to be safe at work.
 Taking short cuts increases the chance you will be hurt.
 Ensure appropriate measures are taken to promote safe MMH.

13. Alternative Materials-Handling Techniques
Alternative materials-handling techniques for carrying or moving loads are to be
used whenever possible to minimize lifting and bending requirements. These
alternative techniques include the use of:
 Carts
 Forklifts
 Dollies
 Other mechanical devices

14. Carrying Objects:
Technique:
 Hold the object close to the body and at waist to chest height.
 Never twist through the back when carrying a load.
Assist:
 Use wheel carts and dollies to reduce the need to carry an object over a distance (ensure
proper lifting technique is used when loading and unloading).
 Track mounted overhead cranes can be used to carry an object over a distance.
 Design the work area to reduce the distance of the carry.

15. Pushing:
Technique:
 Never twist through the back when pushing
 Ensure wrists are not compressed in an awkward posture when pushing the
material
Assist:
 Motorized pallet jacks
 Sloping the floor when rolling cylindrical materials
 Use turn tables to reposition material
 Place handles or pushing area between waist and shoulder height

16. LIFTING
The amount of force you place on your back in lifting may surprise you!
Never put more force on your back than you can easily carry.
Anytime you find yourself lifting anything that is extremely to heavy
you should think: DANGER! My back is at risk!

17. LIFTING TECHNIQUES
1. Stand close to the load
with your feet spread
apart about shoulder
width with one foot
slightly in front of the
other for balance.

18. LIFTING TECHNIQUES
2. Squat down bending
at the knees. (Not your
waist) Tuck your chin
while keeping your back
as vertical as possible.

19. LIFTING TECHNIQUES
3. Get a firm grasp of
the object before
beginning the lift.

20. LIFTING TECHNIQUES
4. Begin slowly lifting
with your legs by
straightening them.
NEVER TWIST YOUR
BODY DURING THIS
STEP!!!

21. HOW TO LIFT SAFELY
5. Once the lift is
complete, keep the
object as close to the
body as possible.

22. TWO/THREE MAN LIFTING
6. Decide who will be in
charge BEFORE you
begin the lift, and what
commands will be used.

23. LIFTING ABOVE YOUR SHOULDERS?
7. Use a stool, ladder or
better still, use a
platform.

24. REMEMBER !!!!!!!!!!!!!
DO NOT STAND ON TABLES OR CHAIRS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

25. HOW TO PREVENT BACK INJURIES?
• Exercise
• Eat right
• Stretch as often as possible
• Reduce Stress

27. Test Your
Knowledge

28. Before lifting and moving a load you should
a. Plan the route you’ll take
b. Check to make sure the load isn’t too high to see over
c. Both A and B

29. Answer:
(Both A & B)
Plan the route you’ll take
Check to make sure the load isn’t too high to see over

30. When you lift a heavy object you should:
a. Bend over at the waist, keeping your back straight.
b. Bend at the knees, keeping your back straight.
c. Keep the load as far away from your body as possible.

31. ANSWER:
B
Bend at the knees, keeping your back straight

32. WHEN LIFTING YOU SHOULD NOT
a. Bend your knees
b. Bend at your waist
c. Tighten your stomach muscles

33. ANSWER
B
Bend at your waist

34. YOU CAN REDUCE THE RISK IN MOVING HEAVY LOADS
BY:
a. Using a dolly or handcart
b. Finding someone to assist you in lifting the load
c. Dividing the load into more than one part
d. All of the above

35. ANSWER:
D
• Using a dolly or handcart
• Finding someone to assist you in lifting the load
• Dividing the load into more than one part
Use as much assistance as you can when lifting heavy items

36. YOU SHOULD USE A STEPSTOOL TO REACH HIGH OBJECTS
RATHER THAN REACH ABOVE YOUR SHOULDERS.
a. True
b. False

37. ANSWER:
TRUE
Always use step stool or ladder when reaching to a
high to lift something.

38. SAFETY FIRST