Sprains and Strains Sprains and Strains Company Harlan McPhee North McPhee South Powerhawke Ravex Richards Company Using the Form Job Name * Job Name and/or Number Date * Sprains and Strains Construction work is a trade which requires a lot of physical work. This work can potentially lead to strains and sprains. How can we help prevent this? The answer is in planning: In the dynamic construction industry, controlling exposures to sprains and strains is difficult at best. With this in mind, we spend our day moving materials and performing other physical tasks and should learn to work smarter, rather than harder! Preparing your body also helps. A routine of stretching and warming up before physical tasks can help prevent soft tissue injuries such as strains and sprains. Manual material handling is common to many industries, especially construction. It is also one of the leading causes of injuries for the Phalcon companies. Many tasks that require handling heavy equipment such as sticks of rigid pipe, require two people for handling at a minimum. Using mechanical means such as a forklift, pallet jack, pipe rack or hand truck will help reduce our exposure to these types of injuries. When making a lift of heavy equipment or materials with another person, take time to discuss how you intend to lift, carry and secure your work. A single wrong move with something heavy can transfer the full load to one of the workers, force an awkward position, and cause a sprain or strain. Communicate! When loading or unloading materials or tools, avoid bending, twisting or carrying long distances. If it's possible, avoid placing materials at heights below knee level or above shoulder level. Never twist with a load!! This is one of the worst things that you can do to your back. If you combine bending and twisting, you are certain to injure yourself. Always try to allow space for at least two steps between where you pick something up to where you put it down, which helps avoid twisting. If possible, place a couple of pallets under a pallet you are stacking, so you don’t have to bend over so far. Shoveling (snow, sand, etc.): When using a shovel, alternate having your left hand and right hand forward. It may feel awkward at first but allows muscles on both sides of your body to share the work. Keep in mind that muscles and posture control the shape of your spine. The shape of your spine controls wear and tear on your spinal disks, muscles and ligaments. Repetitive motion: Tasks that require repetitive hand or wrist motion should be examined closely. Steady use of a screwdriver means constant twisting of the wrist. Battery operated screw guns are a good answer for this. Wooden handles tend to transmit less vibration than steel and fiberglass hammer handles. Consider wearing an elbow support, to limit the effect of vibration on tendons that attach to the elbow. When using vibrating tools, special gloves that "dampen" vibration can also be worn. Problem-solve and plan with others: The first step to avoiding discomfort, pain or injury is to discuss awkward work tasks with your co-workers and supervisor. Also, share your concerns and possible remedies with co-workers at morning tailboard talks. Remember, the best way to earn a living is to stay healthy. Your employer-and most of all, your family-are depending on YOU! Additional Comments Foreman Name * Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Picture Upload Drop a file here or click to upload Choose File Maximum upload size: 52.43MB reCAPTCHA Submit Δ
