Move It Safely: Avoiding Injury While Handling Materials

Serious and disabling injuries to those working in materials handling can be prevented if workers employ the proper material lifting and moving techniques, and precautions and safe work practices presented in this video training program.

Ten key concepts are discussed, including; preparing to move the item, ensuring the travel path is clear and safe, knowing what personal protective equipment is needed and using it, developing a safety-conscious attitude, safe and proper lifting techniques, using hand trucks, carts and other assistive equipment, handling pallets and moving loaded pallets. Following each of the 10 segments is a quiz designed to ensure the main learning objective has been grasped.

Injuries caused when workers move objects are preventable through education and dedication to a culture of safety. This video helps workers learn the right way to move materials, and the importance of putting safety first.

Warehouse employees, and others who move heavy loads

• Prepare For The Job
  • The Safe Lifting Plan
  • Evaluate The Load
  • Ensure Stability
• Path of Travel
  • Safe Path of Travel
  • Inspect Path For Hazards
  • Fixed Objects
• Personal Protective Equipment
  • Importance of PPE
  • Footwear, Eyewear, Hearing Protection
  • Appropriate Gloves
• Having a Safe Attitude
  • Attitude Focused On Injury Prevention
  • Don't Be Influenced By Others
• Safe Lifting Techniques
  • Importance of Proper Technique
  • Grip and Stance
  • Elements of Proper Lifting
  • Avoid Bending at Waist
  • Benefits of Keeping Load Close
  • Benefits of a Wide Stance
  • Avoid Twisting
  • Carrying The Load
  • Placing The Load
• Using Hand Trucks
  • Benefits of Hand Trucks
  • Correct Truck For The Job
  • Loading The Hand Truck
  • Placing The Nose
  • Proper Tilt
  • Travel Tips
  • Placing The Load
  • Return The Truck
• Using Carts
  • Benefits of a Cart
  • Loading The Cart
  • Accessing Lower Levels
  • Travel Tips
• Material Handling Equipment
  • Benefits of a Powered Industrial Truck
  • Pedestrian Safety Tips
• Handling Pallets Safely
  • Handling Pallets
  • Storing Pallets
  • Avoid Walking on Pallets
  • Inspect Pallets
• Moving Palletized Loads
  • Traveling With a Load
  • Watch For Pedestrians
  • Stopping Distance
  • Proper Storage

• Explain how to properly prepare to move a load.
  • Agree that you should get help if a load is too heavy.
  • Recall the load's weight must not exceed lifting capacity.
  • Agree that a load's weight isn't the only consideration.
• Discuss how to inspect the path of travel.
  • Agree that determining the path of travel is important.
  • Recall the travel path items that must be considered.
• Identify the PPE that is required when moving materials.
• Explain the importance of a safe attitude.
  • Agree that overly heavy objects should not be lifted alone.
  • Recall why staying within your lifting limits is important.
• Explain the steps involved in lifting an object safely.
  • Agree that bending at the waist is harmful to the back.
  • Recall the load should be kept close to the body.
  • Recall a way to avoid twisting while lifting.
• Discuss how to properly move loads with a hand truck.
  • Agree that heaviest items should be placed on the bottom.
  • Recall the weight should be carried by the wheels and axel.
  • Agree that you should always push a loaded truck.
• Explain how to move loads with carts safely.
  • Agree that weight should be distributed evenly.
  • Recall bending at the waist is not required.
  • Agree that a cart should be pushed rather than pulled.
• Discuss how to work around material handling equipment.
  • Recall you must be trained and authorized for operation.
  • Agree that you should make eye contact and communicate.
  • Recall good safety habits to follow around equipment.
• Explain the proper procedures for handling pallets safely.
  • Agree that gloves should be worn to avoid splinters.
  • Recall how pallets should be stored.
  • Agree that you should not walk or stand on pallets.
• Discuss how to safely move palletized loads.
  • Agree that the load should be kept as low as possible.
  • Recall that you must stop before raising or lowering a load.
  • Agree that pedestrians always have the right of way.