Generally the most accidents happen within the home. From a scrapped knee, cut finger or a pulled muscle, when you actually sit down and think about it there are hazards all around us which can harm us. It is very common when moving house for people to pull muscles as they over exert themselves to get things done. A lot of injuries around the home and especially when moving, can be avoided by following some simples steps. Some things to make note of before attempting to lift a box are as follows;
- The size of the box.
- Weight of the box.
- Contents of the box.
- Where you can grip the box.
- Is the box properly assembled and sealed?
- Know your own limitations
When you look at the list above you may think that this is common sense and you would be right. However, if more people paid attention to the factors above, then there would a lot less injuries and accidents.
The Size and Weight
I bet you a lot of you have looked at something small and then been shocked by the weight of it when you have gone to pick it up. Just because a box is small it does not mean that it is light. This can cause a lot of injuries as people are just not expecting the weight when they pick it up, straining or pulling muscles in the process. Before you pick up a box you need to check the weight of it and see if it is within your ability to pick it up. When packing a removal box is it always a good idea to list the room the contents came from and also a general description as this will help you gauge a rough indication of the weight of the box. You also need to check that the box is properly constructed and in good condition before attempting to lift it as poorly constructed boxes or damaged boxes can lead to the contents being damaged when lifted, especially if the box collapses and the contents fall out of it. It is also important to look at the box and determine where you will lift it from and if you will have enough grip and leverage. A main cause of injury is through people’s pride, trying to lift something which is beyond their ability or strength to do so. Make sure that you know your own limitations and if you are going to struggle get help as trying to push yourself beyond your limitations may result in injury leaving you unable to lift anything for a while.
How to Lift
From working in an office, to a warehouse to a bar, every one of us goes through some heath and safety training at some point in our lives. Although these may seem very tedious at the time, they are excellent advice on the do’s and do not’s when lifting objects. It is important to take you time and not to rush. Smooth solid actions rather than jerky sudden movements. Always pick the box up from the front and stand square on to the box. If you pick it up from an angle at the side or twist with it, you run the risk of straining a muscle. Do not try to over extend and keep the box as close to you as possible. The best area to carry it is between your waist and your shoulders. One of the most important things though, especially with heavier objects, is always to lift with your legs and keep your back straight. Most back injuries occur when lifting a heavy object incorrectly and not using the legs. Your legs are the strongest muscles for lifting and have a lot more power than just your arms alone so make sure that you use them. Another big factor is tiredness. People tend to make bad judgments when tired, so it is also important to rest and take breaks. If working in a hot environment, you also need to make sure you keep hydrated. If the box is too heavy, all you need to do is ask for some help.
Summary
The next time your are moving house or office and are packing up your removal boxes, think about what you are putting in the boxes and do not make them to heavy, if you can avoid it. Follow the simple advice above and you should have no problems in lifting your removal boxes onto the truck. Just make sure you do not over do it and always lift within your capabilities. If you do this you can make your next move just that little bit less hassled and hopefully a lot less stressful as well.