Injury-Free Loading and Unloading: 10 Golden Rules

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Pushing and pulling loads, even when they are on wheels, require a lot of energy and can lead to health issues due to physical overexertion. Muscles and joints in the back, shoulders, and arms are regularly used, leading to physical strain. Therefore, it is crucial to work responsibly. As an employer, you are obligated to ensure that physical strain does not pose a danger to the safety and health of your employees. This can be achieved by educating your workers on how to safely push and pull, as well as by using smart tools. In this blog, we not only share 10 tips for safe pushing and pulling but also useful tools to facilitate this process.

10 Rules for Healthy Loading and Unloading

1. Avoid unnecessary pushing and pulling; use tools that lighten the workload whenever possible.
2. Moving heavy loads sensibly takes just as much time as moving them recklessly, so do it carefully.
3. Plan in advance how and where you will move the load, considering potential obstacles along the way.
4. Determine the weight of the load beforehand; do not make it too heavy, and ask your colleagues for assistance with heavy and large objects.
5. Always stand directly in front of the load; never lift, push, or pull with a twisted back, but pivot your feet when needed.
6. Identify the center of gravity of the load and find a good balance before beginning the actual pushing and pulling.
7. Move the load with both hands, keeping it as close to your body as possible.
8. Bend your knees when lifting and placing the load, maintain a straight back, move slowly, and primarily use your abdominal and leg muscles.
9. Ensure the path is clear of obstacles when walking with the load; use non-slip shoes on slippery floors.
10. Listen to your body and take signals seriously; you know best what your back, shoulders, and knees can handle.

Physical overexertion costs employers 3 billion euros

It is evident that physical strain in the workplace has serious consequences. With significant percentages of absenteeism—28% for 1-3 months, 31% for 3-6 months, and 16% even longer than 6 months—it is a problem that cannot be ignored. Total sick leave in the Netherlands costs employers over €11.7 billion annually, with €3 billion attributed to physical strain. Pushing and pulling, among other tasks involving rolling equipment, even ranks in the top 5 of work-related risk factors for occupational diseases. A concerning reality that emphasizes the importance of investing in the prevention of physical overexertion.

Reduce physical strain with smart electric tugs

Moving heavy carts and pallets is physically demanding, but smart electric tugs offer the perfect solution to minimize these efforts. Our tugs are designed to enable employees to maintain good ergonomic posture and perform tasks efficiently. They effortlessly move loads ranging from 50 to 6000 kilograms, eliminating back problems caused by unnecessary pushing and pulling.

Invest in the health and well-being of your team. Contact us today for a demonstration or more information.”