Improper lifting, pushing, pulling, and overreaching are common causes of strains and sprains. Any job that requires your employees to sit or stand in an awkward position for long periods of time can cause excess stress and strain on muscles. Most strains and sprains affect the back, arms, ankles, and shoulders. However, there are some very simple steps your employees can take to prevent or minimize body strains and sprains.

Many strains and sprains occur because of poor material handling. Injuries can occur when workers try to pull or lift a heavy or awkward object without help or lift an object while twisting from the waist. Workers lift things that weigh too much or they lift incorrectly. Lift correctly by bending the knees, not the back. Carry loads close to the body. Before any heavy lifting activity, be sure to warm up by doing moderate stretching exercises.

Get help with heavy loads

Don’t let employees move or lift an object they can’t handle. Instead of lifting a 75-pound load, break it down into smaller parts. If it can’t be broken down, the employee needs to use a mechanical device or get help from a coworker. Make sure moving equipment works properly or it will cause unnecessary strain just trying to get it to work. For example, if the wheels on a cart are not aligned, employees could suffer strains or sprains trying to move it.