STRAINS AND LIFTING INJURIES
Profit Sheet – Cost Reduction Guide
Based on a sampling of claims in 500 Owner/Operator stores, 28% were due to Strains amounting to $823,373 in losses
| Observation | Solution |
|---|---|
| 1. Lower Back Strains | Proper Lifting of syrup boxes, ice buckets, and other heavy items. |
| 2. Shoulder Strains | Proper storage locations |
REDUCING INJURY EXPOSURES:
- Reducing exposure to heavy lift strains:
- Move heavy objects to middle shelves to reduce bending. This includes syrup boxes, beef patties, bags of McCafe milk, and other heavy items.
- Place more frequently moved items on middle shelves, and avoid top and bottom shelves. This includes where items are stored, and where they are used.
- Encourage employees who are better able to perform the lifts to assist.
- Place more frequently changed syrup boxes on the middle of the dispenser rack.
- Train all employees in proper lifting techniques.
- Encourage two-person lifts on heavy items.
- Lift garbage to the dumpster carefully. Swinging the bag in a twisting motion can wrench the back and cause serious injury.
- Reducing Shoulder Strains
- Never place heavy items on top shelves.
- If items must be stacked high in the freezer, keep heavy items no more than chest height.
- Encourage taller employees to assist with items that are higher up.
- Train all employees to never climb shelves.
- Restrict employees with prior shoulder injuries from reaching to lift.
FREE RESOURCES TO ASSIST IN REDUCING STRAINS:
Resources from Profiting From Safety – www.profitingfromsafety.com