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Show Correct Method Of Lifting $hould Be Habit "Correct lifting should be practiced prac-ticed until it becomes a habit," commented G. Alvin Carpenter, assistant director of the Utah Extension Ex-tension Service today. Each year thousands are victims of sprains, strains, hernias and other injuries caused by improper lifting. According to the records of the National Safety Council, the most common causes of lifting injuries are as follows: (1) lifting and lowering low-ering with the back muscles; (2) insecure grip or footing and unsafe placing of hands or feet; (3) using us-ing quick, jerking, twisting or awkward movements of the body; j (41 ) obstructed vision, unstable loads or inadequate control; (5) j insufficient help or failure to use mechanical aids. The body is a mechanical system sys-tem of levers and hinges, activated acti-vated by cables just like manv machines. Nature intended each . bone joint and muscle for a specific spec-ific purpose. When overloaded or used 'improperly, .injuries are invited. in-vited. It is a common practice to bend at the waist when reaching down to grasp an object.. Lifting in this position places a severe strain on the sensitive back and abdominal muscles. Always bend your knees and keep back straight when it becomes necessary to lift. Examine farm lifting jobs with a critical eye. Rearrange the work to- eliminate or reduce the amount of lifting required. Explore the feasibility of using simple and safe mechanical aids, such as rope or hoists, wooden skids, hand trucks or inexpesive conveyors. |