Lifting, carrying and back injuries on the job

Strains, sprains and other muscle and joint injuries are the most common construction injuries that keep a worker off the job. In one survey, seven in ten construction workers across 13 trades reported back pain, and nearly a third went to a doctor for it. The damage can come at once, from a sudden move with a heavy load, or build over months of lifting, bending and carrying. A strain that never gets the chance to heal can turn into a serious injury.

What raises the risk

The risk climbs with heavy or bulky loads, long carries, stooping to pick something up off the ground and stretching up while holding it. Twisting while lifting adds even more strain, because it presses harder on the discs in the spine. Carrying even light loads above the shoulders tires the neck and shoulders quickly. Hard, sharp edges and awkward grips strain the hands and wrists. Pushing or pulling heavy carts and dollies all day counts too, and so does a fast pace.

Lifting the right way

Under the best conditions, one person should lift no more than 51 pounds. Those conditions are a load held within 10 inches of the body, no twisting, the lift done with the legs and the back kept as straight as possible, and a solid two-handed grip. When the job doesn't allow all of that, the safe weight is lower.

Cutting the lifting

• Lighter materials. Half-weight cement bags and lightweight block, which weighs 30 to 40% less than regular block, cut the load on every lift.
• Carts, dollies and lifts. Carts for sheet goods, pipe and conduit, handles and grips for heavy objects, stands that hold material during install, and vacuum lifts for windows and panels.
• Better storage. Keep materials off the ground at a convenient height, and plan the drop spot so materials are moved as few times as possible.
• Training. Teach the crew the lifting limits and how to spot a task that strains them.

Exercise programs and "body mechanics" training haven't been shown to prevent injuries on their own, and back belts aren't a way to prevent back injuries.

An annotated example

What to do next

On the next job, look for the loads that are heavy, low, high or carried far. Plan the drop spot before the delivery, get a cart or a lift for the worst of them, and stack materials at waist height. When someone on the crew has aches that are still there after a night's rest, treat the task causing it as the next one to fix.