Toolbox Talk: Lifting and Carrying Materials

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CPWR - The Center for Construction Research and Training

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CPWR Toolbox Talk Series
CPWR’s Toolbox Talks are designed to be used at the start of work to raise worker awareness of potential hazards workers may encounter on a job and preventative measures. The format for the toolbox talks is based on NIOSH research. Each Toolbox Talk includes an image on one side illustrating the potential hazard, and on the other side a description of the hazard and risk, a brief ‘real-life’ case example, steps to prevent an injury or illness, and questions for discussion. All of the toolbox talks are available in English and Spanish.
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Summary Statement

The CPWR Toolbox Talk on Lifting & Carrying Materials addresses the risk of back injuries when working with heavy materials. The resource includes a ‘real-life’ case example, steps to prevent a related injury or illness, and questions for discussion. It includes an image (page 2) that illustrates the hazard, which can be posted in a central location as a reminder of steps to work safely. Click on the following links to access the English version and the Spanish version. (English) (Español)

https://www.cpwr.com/publications/toolbox-talks

CPWR Toolbox Talk logo Back injuries account for 25 percent of construction injuries. Construction has the second highest rate of back injuries of any industry.

Here is an Example

Bags of concrete had been delivered to a construction site, but the forklift normally used to move the pallets was in the shop for repairs. Rick and other members of his masonry crew had to lift and carry the bags to a safe area so that no one would stumble over them. In a hurry to do the job, Rick did not lift with his leg muscles but just bent over and lifted with his back. When he went to the doctor in serious pain the next day, the doctor found Rick had damaged a disc in his lower back and could no longer do that kind of work.

Have you ever had a back injury from lifting and carrying or do you know anyone who has?
If so, what happened?

Preventing Back Injuries from Lifting and Carrying

Always use mechanical equipment like a dolly to lift heavy objects, if at all possible.
Never try to lift an item weighing over 50 pounds by yourself.
Plan your lifts; make sure the path is clear and you are facing the direction of the travel prior to lifting.
Tuck in the chin to keep the back as straight as possible while lifting.
Lift with the strong leg muscles, not your back. Ask for help with heavy or awkward objects.
Avoid twisting your body while carrying an object.
Coordinate and practice team lifting prior to the lift.

What Are We Going to Do Today?

What will we do here at the worksite today to prevent injuries from lifting and carrying items?

1.____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

2.____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

3.____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

OSHA STANDARD” Section 5(a)(1) of the OSHA Act

Graphic of three workers, one using a dolly to lift heavy objects, and the other two team-lifting.

Always use mechanical equipment like a dolly to lift heavy objects, if at all possible.
Never try to lift an item weighing over 50 pounds by yourself.
Plan your lifts; make sure the path is clear and you are facing the direction of the travel prior to lifting.