Lion's office will be closed November 27 and 28. Online training support is available every day from 8:30 AM to 5 PM ET via support@lion.com.
Search

Preventing the Most Common Materials Handling Injuries

Posted on 12/3/2013 by Joel Gregier

For many US workers, handling and storing materials in the workplace is an every-day job responsibility. “Materials handling” takes place in a number of ways and involves operations including, but not limited to:
 
  • Working cranes to move heavy objects,
  • Utilizing fork lifts to transport loads,
  • Stacking and storing bulky items like drums or lumber,
  • Feeding raw materials into manufacturing units, and
  • Manually lifting and carrying items like heavy boxes or bulky bags in the workplace.
 
These types of daily activities are critical to general industry. When performed incorrectly, though, these tasks can cause injuries, sometimes serious ones.
 
OSHA 10 Hour General Industry Banner
 
 
Injury Frequencies for Materials Handling and Storing
 
The US Department of Labor collects information on workplace injuries and makes that data available to the public. According to its most recent statistics, over 15% of injuries that require days away from work or restricted or transferred duties (DART) are caused by overexertion in lifting or lowering.
 
 
Causes of Injuries Involving Handling and Storage
 
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 50% of all DART injuries are soft-tissue damage (sprains, strains, tears, soreness, and bruises). Common causes of soft-tissue injuries include lifting objects that are too heavy, are too bulky, or have their weight unevenly distributed. During the lifting process, employees may bend, twist, or turn their bodies in ways that result in injury. It is critical to train employees on proper lifting techniques to prevent these types of injuries.
 
Protect your workforce with expert OSHA training from Lion Technology. Convenient and effective, OSHA online courses are available 24/7 and can be completed at your employees’ own pace. From comprehensive 10-hour training to courses on material handling and storage, fall protection, electrical safety, hearing conservation, and more, you will find a complete list of training at www.Lion.com.
 

Tags: handling, materials, osha

Find a Post

Recent Posts

Compliance Topics

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The instructor was very knowledgeable and provided pertinent information above and beyond the questions that were asked.

Johnny Barton

Logistics Coordinator

This is a very informative training compared to others. It covers everything I expect to learn and even a lot of new things.

Quatama Jackson

Waste Management Professional

Lion is my preferred trainer for hazmat and DOT.

Jim Jani

Environmental Coordinator

The course is well thought out and organized in a way that leads to a clearer understanding of the total training.

David Baily

Hazmat Shipping Professional

I have been to other training companies, but Lion’s material is much better and easier to understand.

Mark Abell

Regional Manager

I used the IT support number available and my issue was resolved within a few minutes. I don't see anything that could have made it better.

Danny Province

EHS Professional

Excellent. I learned more in two days with Lion than at a 5-day program I took with another provider.

Francisco Gallardo

HES Technician

This was the 1st instructor that has made the topic actually enjoyable and easy to follow and understand. Far better than the "other" training providers our company has attended!

Lori Hardy

Process & Resource Administrator

The instructor kept the class engaged and made learning fun. There was a lot of information to cover but time flew by. I will definitely use Lion in the future!

Chelsea Minguela

Hazmat Shipping Professional

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Four key considerations to help you maximize the convenience and quality of your experience with online training.

Download
Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.