LESSON
3
Talk about workplace safety
PRACTICAL SKILLS
GET READY
Susan’s hospital has safety notices to help workers avoid injuries.
What do you think are some safety issues at a hospital?
PRACTICAL READING
A
Read the safety notice. What is a common cause of workplace injuries,
according to the safety notice?
packing boxes too heavy
lifting the wrong way
not wearing safety glasses
AVOID WORKPLACE INJURY
KNOW HOW TO LIFT PROPERLY!
Many workplace injuries are caused by lifting heavy objects the
WRONG
way. Learn how
to lift the
RIGHT
way to avoid these common injuries. Only
YOU
can keep yourself safe
when lifting.
1. Examine the object.
ō
Can you push the object? If you can push it, you can lift it. If you cannot push it,
do not lift it. Get help.
ō
Does the object have handles? Before you lift it, think about the best place to
position your hands.
2. Position yourself.
ō
Stand with your feet shoulder-width
apart. Squat down. Keep your back
straight. Tuck in your chin.
ō
If necessary, put one knee on the floor
and your other knee in front of you,
bent at a right angle (half kneeling).
3. Lift the object.
ō
Grip the object with your hands. Lift the
object as you straighten your legs.
ō
Use your leg muscles, not your back
muscles. Do not twist as you lift.
ō
Keep your chest out and your shoulders
back.
ō
Hold the object as close to your body
as possible.
ō
Lift to a height where you can easily see
what’s around you.
NEVER
lift an object
above shoulder level.
THE RIGHT WAY! THE WRONG WAY!
36
UNIT 3
