Lion will be closed on Monday, September 7. For online training support, please contact support@lion.com.
Search
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 clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

More thorough than a class I attended last year through another company.

Troy Yonkers

HSES Representative

The workshop covered a lot of information without being too overwhelming. Lion is much better, more comprehensive than other training providers.

George Alva

Manufacturing Manager

The instructor was very patient and engaging - willing to answer and help explain subject matter.

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

The instructor was very dedicated to providing a quality experience. She did her best to make sure students were really comprehending the information.

Stephanie Venn

Inventory Control Specialist

Given the choice, I would do all coursework this way. In-person courses go very fast without the opportunity to pause or repeat anything.

Ellen Pelton

Chemical Laboratory Manager

The instructor was very engaging and helped less experienced people understand the concepts.

Steve Gall

Safety Leader

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

Lion provided an excellent introduction to environmental regulations, making the transition to a new career as an EHS specialist less daunting of a task. Drinking from a fire hose when the flow of water is lessened, is much more enjoyable!

Stephanie Weathers

SHE Specialist

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

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Get to know the top 5 changes to OSHA’s revised GHS Hazard Communication Standard at 29 CFR 1910.1200 and how the updates impacts employee safety at your facility.

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.