CORRECT LIFTING TECHNIQUE

Lifting doesn't have to be a dangerous proposition, even when it's done regularly at work or at home. As long as you know the facts about correct lifting and bending techniques, you can protect your back from a potential work injury.

There are two common mistakes made in lifting. The first is using the wrong muscles, the back muscles, instead of the leg and buttock muscles. You should always bend your knees when lifting heavy objects so you have a solid foundation for your spine. You should keep your trunk vertical when bending down and lifting something. A horizontal trunk can put pressure on the lower back amounting to hundreds of extra pounds. This pressure can eventually injure a disc or sprain or strain a lower back muscle resulting in an unfortunate work injury.

                                             CORRECT COMPUTER POSTURE

To minimize work injuries, you should assess your workstation and make changes based on the types of tasks you do on a daily basis, and the amount of time spent sitting or standing.

• The Keyboard should be straight in front of you and easy to reach with your arms resting on the arm rests.
• You should be sitting right back in your chair not perched off the front. Pull your chair right in so that your fingers comfortably reach the keyboard and so that your back and shoulders are straight and supported by the back of your chair.
• The monitor should be at eye level so that you only need to move your eyes to see the whole screen. Having to look down or up puts strain on your neck and muscles to your head leading to headaches.
• Keep the mouse close to your keyboard and work area.