Pushing Safety

Pushing Safety

On occasion or perhaps even everyday, we're called on to push something.

Typically it's safer to push than it is to pull a load, however doing either can be dangerous to you body. Many soft tissue injuries occur because we push or pull unsafely.
Today let's look at some techniques to use when you have to push on something. How we push a load is critical. We need to ensure we have good posture when we’re exerting that type of force. Most of us can develop higher push forces by leaning our body weight into the load.

1. For pushing, your hands should be between your elbow and hip.
2. Square up to the load so you don’t twist your body Feet spread a little with good footing.
3. If you can’t push it easily with your body weight . . . get help

Make a choice to protect yourself!  You are much more important than anything that needs to go from here to there. Before you push or pull… take the time to make a choice to protect yourself. Choose PUSHING a load instead of PULLING it whenever possible. When you PULL… 
 • You cannot see where you are going, if you walk backwards. 
You cause stress on your shoulders if you face the direction you are going. Your arm is stretched behind your body, placing your shoulder and back in an awkward position that increases the chance for injury.  
• The cart can run over your feet or strike your ankles. When you PUSH… 
 • You can see where you are going. 
 • You cause less stress on the shoulders and decrease the chance for injury. 
 • You can apply more force by leaning your body weight into the load, making the work easier. Choose to push whenever you can. But regardless of whether you PUSH or PULL…
 • Place your hands at the correct height. 
 • Place your hands within the sides of the cart or equipment.
 • Use both arms.
 • Keep your back straight. 
 • Contract your stomach muscle 
• Stay close to the item you are moving. 
 • Wear appropriate footwear. 
 • Clear rolling surfaces from debris. 
 • Avoid rough or uneven surfaces. 
 • Use high-quality wheels or casters; choose larger-diameter wheels, which roll better. 
 • Stabilize and secure the loaded cart or equipment. Trying to catch a falling load may lead to an injury. So make a choice… 
 • Choose to PUSH instead of PULL whenever you can. 
 • Choose the safest way. Make a choice to take care