Items Tagged with 'Lifting safety'

A four-year study funded by a $1.4 million grant from NIOSH will examine the connection between heavy physical activities and retinal detachment, which occurs when the retina pulls away from its nourishing layer of blood vessels, resulting in potential vision loss.

Lowell, MA – Researchers at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, have received a $1.4 million grant from NIOSH to study the connection between lifting and an eye condition known as retinal detachment.

From cases of mild discomfort to severe cases that may be debilitating, many workers have experienced some form of back pain. Knowing how to protect your back and following proper lifting techniques can help prevent this kind of injury.

No matter what industry you work in, some amount of lifting likely will be required. Overexertion injuries – which most often occur when a load is being lifted or otherwise handled – account for 22 percent of nonfatal work injuries, according to 2009 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Items on a pallet jack can weigh up to 100 pounds, making caution when handling a necessity, according to OSHA. Lifting or placing items on a pallet causes many workers to bend at the waist repeatedly, creating possible ergonomics problems.

Overexertion injuries – which most often occur when a load is being lifted or otherwise handled – accounted for 22 percent of nonfatal workplace injuries in 2009, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.