Safety Manual

Lifting Safety

Regulation Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)) https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/oshact/section5-duties

Purpose The purpose of our company’s Proper Lifting section is to apply ergonomic principles and sound decision-making to the workplace to reduce the number of manual lifts thus decreasing workplace injuries and, where possible, increasing productivity, quality and efficiency. All employees are required to follow the minimum procedures outlined below. Scope and Application It is the scope of this policy that all employees whose job duties involve lifting will receive proper training in lifting techniques. It is also the policy that employees will be provided with proper education regarding the mechanics of the back and measures that can be taken to protect the back from injury. Our company requires the procedures in this plan be followed to provide a safe work environment. These procedures on safe lifting practices have been implemented to ensure that employees are trained to protect themselves from the hazards of improper lifting practices.

Responsibilities Safety Coordinator/Management • Conduct a hazard assessment. Identify affected employees/departments • Review workers’ compensation claims and OSHA 300 logs for back related loss trends • Become familiar with the company’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) policies

• Identify need of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) • Identify alternative materials handling equipment • Conduct and/or organize training sessions • Evaluate the section as needed

Supervisors/Foreman/Superintendents • Identify job duties that include heavy lifting • Instill general safety awareness as it relates to back safety • Identify and eliminate, when possible, job hazards • Train new employees, whose job responsibilities include lifting, on proper lifting techniques. Periodically (at least annually) conduct refresher training

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