National Safety Month has begun, so we will start with a little fun. Discover all we have to say, and remember to check Tip of the Day throughout the month. A little rhyme for each week is on view, click ahead to see what’s new. Keep your children safe and sound, in the car and on the playground. Keep yourself healthy and wise, wear sunscreen, and protect your eyes. Keep job hazards at bay, stay safe at your job while you work each day.

For more information on driving safety: http://www.nsc.org/nsm/drive.htm

Home & Community Safety Week- June 9-15
How to Lift and Carry Safely

Lifting and carrying are power jobs - when you lift and carry the wrong way, you can damage your back. Back injuries are the most common type of injury in the workplace, causing approximately 900,000 disabling injuries in 1995. Over half of these injuries are from lifting.

Back injuries may be difficult to treat and may have lengthy and expensive rehabilitation times.

Whether you are lifting at home or at work, make an effort to take care of your back. The National Safety Council recommends a number of tips to prevent unintentional injuries and will also help to keep your back strong and healthy.

You will probably work better if you start each day with exercises that include slow stretches and leg and back warm-ups. Below are some power lifting tips:

- Protect your hands and feet by wearing safety gear.

- Size up the load - tip it on its side to see if you can carry it comfortably. Get help if the load is too big or bulky for one person. Check for nails, splinters, rough strapping and sharp edges.

- Lift it right - make sure your footing is solid. Keep your back straight, with no curving or slouching. Center your body over your feet, get a good grip on the object and pull it close to you. Pull your feet, get a good grip on the object and pull it close to you. Pull your stomach in firmly. Lift with your legs, not your back; if you need to turn, move your feet and don't twist your back.

Other lifting tips include the following:

- Oversized loads - do not try to carry a big load alone; ask for help. Work as a team by lifting, walking and lowering the load together. Let one person call the shots and direct the lift. Use proper mechanical devices for heavy loads.

- High Loads - use a step stool or a sturdy ladder to reach loads that are above your shoulders. Get as close to the load as you can slide the load toward you. Lifting should be done with your arms and legs and not your back.

- Always use your stomach as a low back support by pulling it in during lifting.

Remember, a strong healthy back is vital to your job and helps you to enjoy life. Take the steps to avoid injuries by making it a full-time job to take care of your back.