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Working in
construction is physically demanding and, when temperatures are extreme and
hours are long, can be grueling. To minimize physical wear and tear and to
guard against unnecessary pain and injuries, it’s important to be proactive
about your health and wellbeing. One bad injury not only can wreak havoc on
your body, it can also leave you out of work for weeks or even months. Here are
some tips to help you avoid job-related aches, pains, and injuries.

Stand Up Straight

Remember
your mother telling you to stand up straight? She had a point. Poor posture
doesn’t just “look” bad – it can cause pain and injury to your back, neck,
hands, wrists, and joints. It can also cause headaches and fatigue, as well as
decreased lung capacity. Maintaining good posture may take practice at first,
but the benefits are worth it. Good posture keeps your bones and joints
aligned, which in turn helps your muscles work more efficiently, which means
less fatigue and fewer headaches.

Lift the Right Way

Who needs
help bending and lifting properly? Isn’t it just common sense? You may think
so, and perhaps it should be, but many injuries – sometimes serious – are
caused by improper bending and lifting. While it may be tempting or may seem
easier to bend from the waist when lifting those stacks of heavy cement mix,
one wrong move can put you out of commission for weeks. So, take the time to do
it right:

Always
stand with your feet at least shoulder width apart before you bend. Do not bend
from your waist; instead, squat so that you are using your hips and knees, not
your back. Maintain proper posture when doing so, and never, ever twist from
the back. Slowly lift the load and stand using only your hips and knees. Keep
the load close to your body (holding it further away will strain your back) and
set it down using the same bending technique. Also, avoid “jerky” motions. 

On the Move

Working in
one position can be taxing to both the body and the mind. It may not seem that
bad, but it can have a negative impact on your health down the line. Staying in
the same position can weaken the brain and increases
the risk of getting cancer and diabetes. To prevent this, try moving around at
least once every hour on days when you have a schedule that requires you to
stay in the same spot. You will be much happier that you did!

Get a Grip

Tools are
often used to help make your job easier, but they can lead to injuries if not
used properly. It is important to have a proper grip, so you are able to have
fully functioning wrists and hands. Improper grips can lead to disorders like
tendinitis. The best grip to use for tools, handsaws and planes is a three fingered grip. This grip allows you to have
to more control and puts less stress on your hand as it prevents you from
gripping anything too tightly.

Dress for the Occasion

Many of
the materials used on the jobsite have rough edges that can be damaging to the
hands, skin, and nerves. Constantly pressing your hand against things like wood
and sharp edges can cause numbness and tingling. Doing this repetitively will
cause irreversible damage. To help prevent this, make sure you are dressed
appropriately to help protect yourself from injuries that can be easily
prevented. Make sure you always wear a hard hat, work boots to help
protect your feet from stepping on sharp materials, and properly fitted gloves
to help protect the skin on your hands. While these items may be annoying to
wear, it is always best to put your safety first.

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