Twisting the torso during lifting operations increases the risk of low back injury significantly as it creates non symmetrical stress on the musculoskeletal system requiring smaller groups of muscles to exert force across a less structurally sound anatomical support mechanism. Frequent torso flexion with twisting is consistent with the development of low back injuries. Employees need to be given training in proper lifting techniques and adequate room to walk around the pallet during loading procedures. The load should always be kept directly in front of the employee. The feet should be moved, instead of twisting the torso, so employees are able to keep the load directly in front of their bodies.
Many employees use an extended pinch grip to perform a one handed transfer of lighter boxes.
Employees should restrict the use of extended pinch grips. Bunching of several small boxes into one lift which has the hand under the load in a non-pinch formation will reduce the use of pinch grips and reduce the overall number of lifts performed by the employees. Many employees, particularly in the conveyor areas, perform lifts at frequencies which are hazardous. For lifting tasks performed for an eight hour shift the maximum number of lifts per minute which can be performed is 15. As the number of lifts per minute approaches 15 the amount of weight which can safely be lifted approaches 0.