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March / April 2008

CISonsite is presenting at the 3rd Annual
ISC Safety and Health Conference and Expo

Come see our presentations. Contact Rick Vulpitta at 312-372-9756 or visit website at www.ilsafetycouncil.org to register.

CLICK to view past issues and articles in the NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE . . .

Table of Contents :

1. Training Programs that Make a Difference:
   What to look for when making a decision

2. Weight Loss: Keep it OFF

3. Think Safe! Use your body wisely for lifting

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Training Programs that
Make a Difference:

What to look for when making a decision

Are you or your company considering some additional training for your employees, management or ergonomics team? Would you like your employees to learn on the job stretches? Would you like to implement a well rounded back care program? Would you like to implement trainings that would reduce the company’s number of OSHA recordables and Cumulative Trauma Disorders? If you answered yes to any of these questions, and just don’t know what to look for, here are some things to keep in mind as you make a decision.

Personal Instruction vs. Video

Although a video may be cheaper and easier to schedule, a real person presenting the information in an interesting, informative manner will have a much greater impact. Trainees are more likely to stay awake and are able to receive immediate answers to questions they may have.

Outside Expert vs. Company Employee

An individual that is not directly tied to the company and who has an educational background to support the information being conveyed will be viewed as more credible. This individual should be someone who puts the employee’s well-being first, someone who can answer specific questions regarding the topic in a professional manner, and someone who demonstrates a deep understanding of the anatomy and physiology of how our bodies work.

Active vs. Passive Participation

We all learn better when we are actively involved in the process. A good trainer will ask participants questions, have the trainees actually demonstrate techniques taught (i.e. proper lifting), and include the participants in problem solving real work situations to facilitate a good understanding of the material presented.

Pre and Post Tests

Trainings that require employees to take pre-tests and post-tests encourage the participants to pay attention and be more accountable for retaining the information presented. For stretching trainings, having each individual demonstrate every stretch that is taught encourages proper follow through and tests the individual’s level of understanding.

Use of Specific Workplace Examples

Training sessions that offer specific workplace examples are going to be more effective than ones that only offer generic examples. For example, using pictures of employees at a bakery during a training of employees that work at a Steel Mill will not be very effective! Specific workplace examples can include using pictures of fellow employees performing real work tasks and having trainees handle/lift real work objects as part of the training.

Personal Accountability

A quality training program will emphasize the importance of personal accountability. We are all ultimately responsible for taking care of our bodies so that we can live a happy, healthy life today, tomorrow, and 20 years from now.

A training program that fits this description will truly make a difference and can have a huge impact on the safety and well being of everyone involved. At CISonsite we have qualified trainers and proven training programs that can help you implement a customized training program to fit your specific needs. For more information, contact us at (866) 298-1312.

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Weight Loss: Keep it OFF

Have you lost that weight that you resolved to shed after the holidays? Are you finding it hard to maintain that weight loss? Loosing weight and then successfully keeping it off can be a challenge. Try these strategies to maintain a healthy weight:

• Have a meal plan. Those who maintain weight loss tend to report eating at least three times a day. Choose a system for calculating your daily food intake. Try counting food groups, counting calories, focusing on portions or limiting your intake of high-fat foods.
• Be physically active. Studies show that you need to stay physically active to maintain your weight loss. Take part in at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Vary your activities, plan for seasonal changes, exercise with a friend, and reward yourself for being active.
• Plan for high-risk situations. Successful weight maintainers usually limit how often they dine at restaurants and takeout places. Plan healthy selections when dining out and make sure portion sizes are appropriate. Keep problem foods, such as sweets, out of the house.
• Address life’s challenges. You get a job promotion that includes more travel and dining out. A loved one becomes ill. You have health complications. Each time your life changes, re-evaluate how it will affect your weight-loss efforts. Ask yourself: Should I adjust my meal plan? How will I stay physically active? Do I need help for my mood or stress level?
• Keep in touch with good support. Along with support from family and friends, it can be helpful to have a doctor, dietitian, nurse or licensed mental health professional who can support your weight-loss efforts over time.

Adopted from Mayo Clinic Health Information

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Think Safe!

Use your body wisely for lifting

Aches and pains in your back are rarely from a one time event. That means if you hurt your back, it's usually not from one particular lift, but from repeatedly lifting improperly through the course of time. A back injury can result in major life changes. It could mean a life of constant pain which can put significant stress on your relationships with loved ones. Even worse - back injuries can result in impotence or incontinence.

Fortunately, most back injuries are preventable. Using correct lifting techniques all the time, whether you are lifting 5# or 50#, is a great start to maintaining a healthy back. Proper technique IS NOT merely lifting with your legs instead of your back. In fact, it is a combination of correctly using your legs and your back.

Following are examples of different lifting situations which you may find yourself facing at work and in everyday life. These illustrations will help to demonstrate the concepts of using your body wisely for lifting.

1. The basic squat lift: This lift is useful for something of moderate size and weight. Begin by standing close to the object to be lifted. Keeping a WIDE stance and curve "in" at low back, squat down and firmly grasp object. Pick the object up and hold close to your body as you tighten the stomach muscles. Next, stand up slowly and smoothly letting the large leg muscles do most of the work.
2. The half kneel lift: This lift may be helpful with things that have an irregular shape or may tend to move as you lift. This may also be useful when lifting objects from a low shelf or table. Stand close to the object to be lifted. Keeping the curve "in" at your low back, squat down onto one knee. Pick up the object and slide up onto thigh and then cradle the object against body. Keep stomach muscles tight and slowly stand.
3. The partial golf pickup: This is a good way to retrieve something out of a car trunk or large bin. Place one hand on the receptacle that you are picking up the object from. Reach in with arm, keep curve "in" low back and pivot at the hips while extending the opposite leg backwards. Grasp the object firmly, and slowly lift while straightening at the hips, pushing up with the other arm, and bringing leg back down. Position the object close to body.
4. The full golf pickup: This lift should only be done with very light objects (less than one pound). Keeping the curve "in" at low back, pivot at the hips, while extending one leg straight behind you as you reach down to pick up the item. As you pivot back up with the object, swing the straight leg back down.
5. The over head lift: This lift is used when lifting objects down from a high surface, such as a shelf. If the object is higher than head level, use a stepstool. Move up close to the shelf. Place one leg in front of the other. Shift weight slightly to the front leg. Reach up and firmly grasp object in both hands. This is the exception to the curve "in" rule. Tighten stomach muscles and slowly lift object off of shelf as you shift equal weight back onto both feet. Carefully lower object down to chest.
6. The 2 person lift: This is used when the object is either too heavy for one person or is too large, bulky for one person. If the object cannot be entirely held close to the body, or there is any doubt, get help. Same rules as basic squat lift. Both people stand on either side of the object as close as possible. Communicate between each other as to who will count for the lift and which direction you will go. The lead person gives a 1-2-3 count and both people lift on the 3 count.

Also:

• When possible, it may be better and easier to break up the lift onto several smaller lifts, such as with a box of books.
• DON'T TWIST! Twisting puts added stress to your spine and your back hates that. Pivot instead keeping your shoulders, feet, and hips pointing the same direction when you turn.

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