Pro Safety Tips for Movers
Working as a mover is already physically demanding. Moving boxes, furniture, and appliances all day has a lasting impact on one’s well-being. Nonetheless, there are less obvious safety issues that few movers consider. In this article, AroundWire explores some of those up close, providing solid advice on how to avoid them altogether.
Remember H2O
One of the trickiest issues a mover could encounter on a summer day, with seemingly no reason for it to happen, is dehydration. Sure, you get your sip of water here and there, but more is needed to fully hydrate your body.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends drinking a small amount of water frequently—1 cup every 15-20 minutes. Otherwise, you risk falling victim to heat stress, which can incapacitate you and might even make you faint.
Climate change is already making matters worse, so working as a mover during scorching summer months is becoming more challenging than ever. Don’t let yourself get dehydrated, and maintain your performance at peak levels!
Lift Properly
What do a mover and a bodybuilder have in common? They both lift heavy things, and they both risk suffering from spinal traumas.
In fact, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) claims that improper lifting techniques increase the risk of back injury by a whopping 40%! At the same time, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that over 36% of traumas involving missed workdays are related to back injuries, which are common for manual labor jobs like moving.
Hence, a proper lifting technique with your back straight and emphasis on leg force can help you maintain your spine in pristine condition. Try following this simple advice and see how your posture improves and your joints have some time off work.
Gear Up and Warm Up in Winter
Slips and dallas cause over 800 thousand hospitalizations every year! The National Safety Council states that 46,653 people died in falls at home and work in 2022 alone!
In addition, being exposed to cold temperatures while working outside may result in serious illnesses. Therefore, dressing up accordingly is pivotal for you to remain safe while doing your job in the weeks before Christmas.
In winter, always dress in layers, wear gloves and non-slip footwear. Stay warm and safe, regardless of how long you need to spend outside to begin with.
Beware of Allergens
Spring can be challenging for people with allergies and those suffering from various respiratory disorders, such as asthma. Studies show that over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies every year, and if you’re a mover working outdoors, you have to take that issue very seriously.
The main problem here is pollen exposure, which can only be combated by regularly using masks and antihistamines.
Even if you’re not known to have suffered from allergies, it’s still best to wear a mask during the high allergy season. Better safe than sorry!
Ensure Proper Visibility
Good visibility during shorter daylight hours in autumn and winter is a serious problem. OSHA states that high-visibility clothing for workers in low-light conditions is essential and can reduce accident rates by up to 50%.
Movers often work by the road in the evening. Therefore, wearing reflective gear is a must, and making sure that your work area is well-lit is just as important to avoid accidents and injuries.
Being fully visible to the people around you is the key to staying safe, so don’t neglect your obligation to wear reflective clothes, especially during the darker autumn and winter months.
Safety Is ALWAYS the Top Priority
As a mover, you have plenty of physically demanding tasks to handle. There’s no reason in the world to add safety issues to the menu as well. Our simple-to-follow tips may appear basic at first, but every single one may save you from being injured while at work. Remember – you only have one body, and there won’t be another one!
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