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shape, size and diameter. This often results in awkward carries and posture as well as overexertion. Mechanical equipment such as forklifts should be used whenever possible. But it’s also critical for your safety team to emphasize proper lifting techniques dur- ing training and post visible signage. Limit lifts to 50 pounds; anything over that re- quires two people. Train your team about the need to utilize proper handholds and make sure there is enough room to accommodate gloved hands. Create a schedule and rotate tasks so that employees are not exposed to the same activity for long durations. Push. Pull. Carry. Pushing is always preferred to pulling, since it reduces the risk of strain. And like with heavy lifting, correct posture and equipment like hand trucks and pallet jacks should be used whenever possible. As a side note, it’s also important to make sure any equipment is properly maintained. Proper Tool Use. Many construction activities require specialized tools to get the job done. Using them correctly, with the right PPE and posture considerations, can help avoid injury risk. However, be- fore employees even begin using the tools, ensure work surfaces are at an appropriate height to avoid bending or over-reaching. Tools should also be properly sized and shaped for the individual employee to use effectively. Additionally, using the proper type of tool can help reduce the risk of er- gonomic injuries. For example, use inline tools on horizontal surfaces and pistol grip tools for vertical surfaces to keep a neutral posture. Vehicle Activities Are an Extension of the Job Site. Vehicles often serve as an extension of the construction site, as tasks are performed in and around the truck bed and storage compartments. Consider utilizing roll-out truck bed decking, which can help provide easier access to equip- ment, allow better room for movement within the vehicle itself, and reduce the chance of injuries caused by lifting from an improper height or angle3. As the construction industry continues to contend with a skilled labor shortage, keeping existing employees safe and on the job site is paramount. Avoid the rise in ergonomic injuries for your team by iden- tifying the most common ergonomic risk factors and implementing key control tech- niques that can be used to mitigate issues and keep electrical contractors safe and available to work. And if needed, a trusted partner can help you incorporate training and solutions into your safety program to help limit the risk of these injuries. Shawn Gregg started out as a Safety En- gineer and has spent much of his 30-year career working to create safer environments for workers across industries and continues that mission today in his role as VP of Glob- al Safety at Wesco. REFERENCES 1. http://tinyurl.com/42kyn4fm 2. http://tinyurl.com/4ks57fv7 3. http://tinyurl.com/4medajc5 The Rite Light. The intrinsically safe Dualie 3AA Color-Rite features two lighting options. The bright, white light is ideal for everyday use. For tasks that require a softer, warmer beam, Streamlight’s Color-Rite Technology® provides high CRI lighting to distinguish between similar colors so you can see how they would appear in natural light. Dual options, one light. 320 LUMENS | COLOR-RITE TECHNOLOGY® | CLASS I DIV 1 SAFETY-RATED STREAMLIGHT.COM/DUALIE3AACR © 2024 STREAMLIGHT, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ww w ine.com ty U . o h s o nl n t itl e d- 1 1 26 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2024 | Occupational Health & 1/ 1 S a f / e 2 4 3:36 P 1 M