Moving is an extremely physical activity that requires lifting, bending and carrying heavy items repeatedly. As a result, a person can injure his or herself in a number of minor and major ways. These injuries can include pulled muscles, sprains, cuts, and even broken bones. Unfortunately, people often do not think of the potential for injury when they are in the process of moving. Because of this, they may fail to take proper safety precautions that can reduce these risks. These safety precautions should begin from the moment that a person begins to pack up his or her belongings and continue until the last box has been unpacked.
The first thing that a person can do to protect themselves during a move is to dress properly. Wearing clothing that allows free movement is essential. It should not restrict one’s movements or be overly loose, which runs the risk of catching onto things during the move. It is also important to avoid wearing anything that can cause a person to trip. Shoes should be comfortable while providing support and protection against objects that might fall. Generally, flip-flops and open toed sandals are not wise footwear choices, as they leave the toes exposed and may cause a person to misstep while holding heavy or fragile items. Work gloves serve a dual purpose in that they both protect the hands from cuts and scrapes, but also help improve one’s grip when lifting and carrying items.
Boxes are a must-have in every move. They carry everything from clothing to breakable items such as glasses or china. While it is important to pack and handle with care to avoid breaking the items within, it is equally important to handle them in a way that will not result in a back injury or a pulled muscle. The first step in box safety is to fill them properly so that they are not overly heavy. Heavy items should be placed inside of smaller boxes, while saving lightweight items for larger boxes. When lifting boxes and other items, a person should only lift what they are physically able to. If a box feels too heavy, avoid straining to lift it. Instead ask someone for help or use a hand truck to maneuver it to where it needs to be. Hand trucks often come inside moving trucks and are invaluable in moving large and/or heavy items. When lifting other boxes, use proper lifting techniques. A person should never bend at the waist to lift an item. This causes him or her to use their back to raise the item. Instead, it is safest to bend at the knees, going into a squatting position. With the item in hand, the person should then use their legs to lift the object in question.
A person shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help when moving. The more people helping, the faster the move will be completed and it will reduce the risk of one person overexerting his or herself. When there are numerous people helping, however, it is important that each person has a specific task to do. A well-organized move can prevent unnecessary injuries from having too many people attempting to accomplish the same thing. Keeping plenty of bottled water and snacks on hand will help prevent dehydration and provide energy throughout the day. Both snacks and water will also encourage people to take breaks, which should be done frequently. Breaking and taking a rest will help people pace themselves and prevents burnout and exhaustion from prematurely setting in. Being overly tired often increases the likelihood of accidents and injuries. In case accidents do occur, it is wise to keep first aid items available to treat minor injuries.
Children and pets represent a danger not only to themselves but also the people who are actively involved in the moving process. If moving with small children or pets, they should be kept occupied in a room that is away from the main activity. Both can easily get underfoot and can cause a person to trip or fall. If possible, keep children and pets at another location until items have been loaded and unloaded off of the moving truck or van.
Moving is often a time-consuming and stressful task, but it does not have to be a dangerous one. Although the primary focus is often on protecting one’s belongings, it is necessary to also focus on protecting oneself. This is simple to do and can prevent thoughtless mishaps from occurring. When the right steps are taken, people can both protect their belongings and avoid injuries.
To read more moving safety tips and advice please review the following list of links.