Edition:
Safety


Decrease material handling injuries, increase efficiency
 
Material handling is the number one cause of injuries on the construction site, according to the Construction Industry Institute, which also makes materials handling one of the biggest drains on productivity and project schedule. Getting the right materials delivered at the right time will reduce those injuries, but simple reminders of basic principles can keep workers safe during material handling, leading to a more efficent jobsite. The Independent Electrical Contractors Institute, gives tips on the topics below for contractors to review with workers who handle materials on the job site to avoid injury, back strain, and hernia.
 
General Lifting

  • Size up the load. Seek assistance if you think you need it.
  • Get close to the load, with one foot alongside the load, and one foot behind it for balance.  Get firm grip on the object, with your palms, not your fingers.
  • If possible, squat to the load, keeping your back straight - not necessarily vertical, just straight.
  • Draw the load close to you, with the weight centered over your feet. Test to see that it's not too heavy.
  • Lift by straightening your legs, avoiding quick, jerking motions. Your legs should provide most of the power to lift, not your back.
  • Avoid twisting with a load shift and move your feet instead.
  • When lifting above waist height, set the load down on a table or bench, shift your grip, and then lift again.
  • Lifting comfortably is most important. Judge the most comfortable postion for yourself.
Preparing for the lift
  • Stand comfortably as close as you can to the load, with feet apart for balance.
  • If load becomes too heavy or clumsy to lift on your first try, don't attempt the lift again.
  • If possible, squat to the load, keeping your back straight. Try to avoid bending.
  • Wear gloves that provide good grip. Grasp the load firmly with your hands, with your fingers beneath the load if possible. Test it first to see that it's not too heavy.
Carrying the material
  • Use two people if needed and agree in advance how a load will be moved.
  • Don't let the object obstruct your vision, be sure of where you're going.
  • Don't twist your body to change directions; use your feet instead. Twisting with a load puts enormous stress on your spine.
  • Check the corridors, floors or stairs over your planned route. Check to see the surface is clean and in good condition.
  • Carry any pipe, barstock or other long objects on your shoulder with the front end high.
  • Never change your grip during a lift unless you can support the weight somehow during the grip change.
  • If you can't make it as far as you thought you could, stop, put the load down and rest.
Carrying materials up and down stairs
  • Be sure handrails, even temporary ones, are in place.
  • Check to see how adequate the lighting is even if the job is still under construction. Take extra time on stairways. Make sure there's no loose nails, cans of paint, misplaced claw hammers, or similiar objects on the stairs to trip over.
  • Walk with your knees and feet pointing outward at an angle while descending stairs, instead of walking with feet and knees pointing straight ahead. Going straight ahead with feet and legs puts unnecessary strain on the knees.
Placing and storing material
  • Face the final resting spot for the load you're carrying with your whole body. Do not twist the load into its final place.
  • Don't forget where your fingers and toes are. Allow enough room to place the load so you can move all of you out of the way. Put one corner of a box similar item down first, so your fingers can be removed form beneath the load.
  • Reverse the lifting motion by bending your knees and squatting down with the load, keeping it close to your body, again without bending your back.
  • Test the item for stability where you place it before you leave it.
Pushing and pulling
  • Push whenever possible instead of pulling.
  • Push or pull at waist height and try to avoid bending.
  • Be sure you can see over and around the material being moved.
  • Avoid steep ramps whenever possible. On all ramps, back down.
Other lifting stituations
  • Don't stretch from the ground.
  • When lowering an item from shoulder height, push against it first to test its weight and stability. Slide it as close to your body as you can, and hold the item close while lowering it.
  • When lifting items from or to high places, use a safe ladder. Do not stand on boxed or other stacked materials.
  • Rounded objects such as gas cylinders, drums, and small tanks can shift suddenly, as their contents may slosh back and forth or the rounded surfaces may begin to roll. Be extra careful.
  • Partner lifts can best be accomplished when two individuals who are about the same size pair up. Have lifting signals so  you can both move in unison. Good communication is extremely important.
Storing materials
 
Where and how material is stored affects both safety and the efficiency on a jobsite. Size things up first and plan ahead when finally storing the material. Instead of just putting materials" here and there" on the jobsite, try to use logic as to where materials, tools, equipment and other items should be loaded and stored for safety and convenience. Especially watch the storage  of materials in tiers: secure various layers to prevent falling. That includes wood and bricks, and skid loads of material such as tiles, shingles, and plumbing supplies.
 
The unloading of building supplies can be one of the most dangerous tasks at the worksite. Never allow new workers to do the unloading alone. Instead, someone with rigging and mobile equipment experience should supervise unloading and loading activities to assure materials are stored properly. Key suggestions are as follows:
  • Store materials, equipment, and tools out of the way, in the most convenient location possible.
  • Keep aisles and passageways outside and inside from being blocked by supplies. Stored materials must not block exits and emergency equipment.
  • Used lumber, when stacked, should have nails removed first.
  • Combustible/flammable materials should be stored in a manner that will minimize any fire potential. They shouldn't be in the way of mobile equipment, or in a place where workers might perform any hot work. All smoking should be prohibited. A fire extinguisher must be readily available.
  • Scaffolds and work platforms must not be used to store or accumulate piles of material or debris. There should only be as much material stored as can be used by the immediate operations.
  • Plan difficult storage moves well in advance.
  • Always arrange stored material in a secure manner.