Manage Your Stress Level

• Set realistic goals. Set and reset your priorities.
  
• Take one task at a time. Make “To Do” lists.
  
• Take a five minute break. This can help slow down your mind long enough to deal with stress.
  
• Learn to say “No.”
  
• Be flexible.
  
• Go easy on criticism.
  
• Manage your anger. Retreat before you lose control.
  
• Know when you are in a bind, and ask for help if you need it.
  
• Treat your body right - eat right, exercise, and learn to relax or meditate.
  

Don’t Neglect to Disconnect

• Lock out all potential energy sources before performing equipment maintenance or repair.
  
• Have your work crew establish its own lockout/tagout. Never work under another crew’s lockout/tagout, even for a moment.
  
• Before returning equipment to service, be sure that everyone involved knows your plans.
  
• Use the principles of lockout/tagout at home.
  

What You Don’t Know May Hurt You

• Read labels before using or storing hazardous substances.
  
• Check material safety data sheets (MSDS) for additional safety measures involving hazardous substances.
  
• Whenever possible, keep hazardous substance in their original containers.
  
• Properly label any new container in which it becomes necessary to
  store a hazardous substance.
  

Wear Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Did you know hand injuries account for 25% of all reported workplace accidents?

When working with machinery it is important to follow all instructions, wear appropriate PPE and make sure the equipment is properly maintained.

EIGHT STEPS TO LIFTING CORRECTLY:

1. Plan Your Lift

• Ask yourself: "Can I lift this alone?"
• Look for obstacles.
• Choose a clear route
• Is the load to awkward or too heavy?
• How much does the item weigh?

2. Ask For Help

• If the load is too heavy or awkward to handle alone, get assistance.

3. Get a Firm Footing

• Position your feet approximately shoulder wide for a stable base.
• Wear nonslip footwear.
• Point toes out

4. Bend Your Knees

• Do not bend at the waist.

5. Tighten Your Stomach Muscles

• Abdominal muscles help support your spine when you lift.

6. Lift With Your Legs

• Let your powerful leg muscles do most of the work, not your back.

7. Keep the Load Close

• Don't hold the load away from your body.
• The closer the load is to your spine, the less force it exerts on your back.

8. Avoid Twisting and Turning Your Back

• To turn, shift the position of your feet.
• When lifting items such as luggage or boxes from the cargo area of a car or truck, brace your legs against the vehicle frame for extra support and remember to test the load before you try to lift it with arm strength alone.

Give Your Back the Support It Needs

• Always think before you lift. Bend your knees both when picking objects up and when setting them down.
• 
  Avoid twisting, bending at the waist, and excessive reaching while handling heavy objects.
• 
  Ease into physically demanding tasks. Change your posture frequently and don’t overdo it.
• 
  When standing for long periods, place one foot on a low stool to reduce stress on your back.