The Best Ideas to Prevent Manufacturing Injuries Using Good Posture
The human body is a truly incredible feat of nature. We are able to lift large amounts of weight repeatedly and are able to build up our endurance to the point where we can do this over extended periods of time.
The human body isn’t invincible, however. If we do not exercise proper technique and posture when performing physical activities, the human body can break down over time, leading to injuries and health problems that can shorten our quality of life.
For people who work in manufacturing, sitting at a workstation for many hours at a time, good posture is of the utmost importance.
WHAT IS GOOD POSTURE AND HOW DOES IT IMPACT MANUFACTURING WORKERS?
According to an article in EHS Today, posture is defined as the way a person keeps their body upright against the force of gravity. Put another way, having good posture means sitting, standing and walking so that there is as little stress on the body’s joints, muscles and ligaments as possible.
If a person has poor posture — that is, if their body slouches, if their shoulders aren’t held back and their head held high — their body has to deal with lots of additional stress.
For people who work at a workbench, good sitting posture is crucial. In order to achieve the best posture while sitting, be sure to sit down as far back on your seat as possible.
Once this is achieved, keep your back straight and throw your shoulders back. Your legs are also very important when it comes to achieving good posture, so place your feet flat on the ground and position your legs so that they’re bent at a ninety-degree angle.
People who work in manufacturing may be required to lift heavy objects on occasion. When lifting items, protecting your back is job number one, which is why you must always keep your back straight and bend your knees.
Always place your feet in a wide stance and get your arms around the object you’re trying to lift so as to get as much leverage as possible on the item. Let your legs do the work!
Bending over at the waist to lift a heavy piece of material or a box can lead to serious back injuries like muscle strains and tears, herniated discs and even spinal damage.
Also, if an item is too heavy for you to lift by yourself, always remember that there is no shame in asking for help. As the old saying goes, “many hands make light work.” If someone can’t help you lift a heavy item at that time, let it be and come back to it when you have more help.
Accidents happen, but you can protect yourself and take steps to ensure that you are doing the physical requirements of your job as safely as possible.
INJURED ON THE JOB? THAT’S WHERE WE COME IN.
Occasionally, working conditions aren’t always fair or equitable, and a supervisor may instruct you to lift items that are too heavy for you to manage on your own, which can lead to an injury.
With over 130 years of combined experience advocating for working people, Schweickert & Ganassin has helped men and women all over northeast Illinois get the compensation they are owed after suffering an injury on the job. Contact us today to get started.
