Safety Newsletter – August 2023
Proper Lifting, Pushing and Pulling Techniques
Proper Lifting Techniques
- Avoid lifting heavy items above chest height
- Use the “big toe” test to test the weight of the object. If you can push the item with your toe, it is safe to move it alone. If not, ask for help.
- When picking up a heavy item from the ground, stand close to the load with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Squat down, bending at your knees, keeping your back as straight as possible.
- Make sure you have a firm grasp on the object before lifting. Use handles, if available.
- If you are lifting with a partner, coordinate lifting time.
- Once the object is lifted off the ground, carry it as close to your body as possible to prevent the object from losing its center of gravity and falling to the ground
Proper Pushing and Pulling Techniques
- Do place your hands at the correct height.
- Do use both arms.
- Do keep your back straight.
- Do stay close to the items you’re moving.
Improper Pushing and Pulling Techniques
- Don’t Push with your back.
- Don’t use faulty equipment.
- Don’t twist at hip when pushing.
- Don’t pull facing the direction you’re going.
Road Signs
Road signs are a crucial part of road safety. They warn of hazards ahead; and give directions; and information that specifically help truckers. Here are a few road signs you should pay close attention to.
# 1 – RED & White Signs: Stop, yield, prohibition and regulatory signs: When stop and yield signs are ignored, the results can be deadly! It’s important not to miss signs about driving regulations because not only do they help you avoid breaking the law and getting a ticket but they keep you from potentially getting into an accident.
#2- Grade Signs: These grade signs are important because they are valuable piece of information that will allow you to be able to go down the hill without using the brakes so you don’t experience brake fade.
#3 – Curve Signs: Recognize the curve sign, you need to slow down before you get to the curve and be in a gear that allows you to power through the curve, especially if you’re pulling a trailer.
#4 – Height Signs: You need to know the height of your vehicle and you need to pay attention to height signs. If the sign says 12 feet 6 inches you cannot go under the overhead obstruction with a big vehicle.
#5 – Object Marker Signs: You will notice these signs on the end of bridge abutments, concrete islands, and all kinds of places along the roadway. It is important that you pay attention to these signs and you give them a wide berth so you don’t run into them.
#6 – Lane Designation Signs: If there’s two turning lanes, regardless of where they go – right or left – you always need to be in the outside lane.
#7 – Weigh Scale Signs: If you’re driving a commercial vehicle you have to go into the weigh scale (If it is open) because if you blow past the weigh scale, you might be subject to a fine by the DOT.
#8 – No Truck Routes: NO truck route signs – they’re usually around the corner of the road that you’re not supposed to go on. You can avoid accidents and fines by paying attention to these signs.