Moving materials around a work site is part of everyday life for an electrician or wireman. Unfortunately, the simple acts of pushing, pulling and lifting objects are extremely hazardous when they are not executed properly. Far too often, they result in costly injuries. However, abiding by some basic safety protocols can help minimize some of these on-the-job hazards.


Awkward posturing and forceful exertion are the two most significant hazards of material handling. Awkward postures occur when employees attempt to reach behind their body, bend forward or to the side, or twist when pushing, pulling or lifting materials. They can also occur when workers attempt to pick up objects that have poorly placed handles. Such movements can lead to muscle strains, sprains and spinal injuries.


To prevent these kinds of injuries, consider using transport devices, such as hand trucks and pallet jacks. When using this type of equipment, avoid pulling whenever possible. In the act of pulling a load, the carts could bump shins, ankles or other parts of the body. Typically, pushing takes less effort because body weight aids in force exertion. 


Items stacked on a cart should never block one’s line of sight and should be stable. Workers must be able to easily see over the top of the load. Bending to the side to see around it can lead to injuries. 


Finally, employees should limit the weight of the load on the cart because the greater the force that is necessary to push the load, the greater the risk of injury. 


Employers should provide transport devices with appropriate handles. It is important to use vertical handles instead of horizontal ones; the former allows workers to maintain neutral postures. 


The handles should be large enough to accommodate the entire hand with no sharp edges or rough spots that could cut or pinch the user. 


Employers should also provide training on how to use these tools properly and on proper manual lifting techniques and ergonomics.


The second significant hazard that results from material handling is forceful exertion, which causes workplace injuries when employees operate transport devices with improperly functioning wheels or underinflated/unevenly pressurized tires and when moving carts or hand trucks over bumpy, rough terrain or up and down stairs. Under such conditions, moving materials becomes more difficult than it should be and results in additional stress on a worker’s arms, back and legs. It also exposes them to abrupt, jarring impacts, which can cause shoulder and back strain.


To avoid such injuries, wheels should be replaced when they become wobbly or uneven. Pneumatic wheels help transport loads over bumpy, uneven terrain or up and down stairs. Ensure that, before use, pneumatic tires are at the recommended air pressure.


Additionally, it is helpful to use elevators or ramps, whenever possible, to avoid stairs and bumpy terrain when moving materials. When these environments cannot be avoided, use powered hand trucks with stair-climbing and self-leveling abilities. When using stairs, load size should always be smaller to reduce the stress on the worker. Curb ramps should also be used when available.


Avoid awkward posturing and forceful exertion with good housekeeping practices to ensure that floors are clean and free of objects that can result in slips, trips or falls. 


Employees should wear proper footwear to maintain firm footing at all times. 


If an employee is responsible for moving a large, bulky item, such as a big spool of wire, it may be necessary to use mechanical means. This may include cranes, derricks, hoists or industrial trucks. Only properly trained people should operate this type of equipment.


When using cranes, derricks, hoists and industrial trucks, it is important to ensure that bystanders are protected from falling hazards, all load and weight capacity limits are adhered to, and that proper maintenance and inspections have all been conducted. These precautions will help drastically reduce the risk of an accident or injury from occurring.


No matter who is responsible for manually lifting boxes, moving or storing spools of wire with a vehicle or industrial truck, hoisting a bulky item with a crane or any other similar task, I hope this article provides some insight on how to do so safely and properly. For more information or additional resources on material handling, visit www.osha.gov.