Certainly wheelbarrows, mop carts, felt layers, and other wheeled equipment that is used on roofing jobsites make a difficult job a little easier. However, back and shoulder strains can occasionally result, even when using wheeled equipment. For that reason, it is important to know how to use them in a way that minimizes the risk of injury.
First, let’s address a fundamental question. To push or to pull – which is better? In most circumstances, pushing an object presents less injury potential than pulling it. There are several reasons for this. First, you can develop greater force by leaning into a load and pushing it than you can by leaning away from the load and pulling it. Second, when you are pulling an object with both hands you cannot see where you are going and could trip over an object. For obvious reasons, it is NEVER a good idea to walk backward on a roof. If using only one hand to pull an object, you have one arm stretched behind you, placing your back and shoulders in an awkward posture – which can easily lead to injury. Furthermore, when pulling an object, you could run over your feet or could lose your grip and fall backward.
Since pushing is preferable, here are 5 basic guidelines to help you minimize the potential for injury associated with pushing. Remember, how you push a load is critical.
• When pushing, your hands should be between your elbow and hip.
• Square up to the load so you don’t twist your body.
• Keep your feet spread a little with good footing.
• Ensure you have adequate traction.
• If you can’t push it easily with your body weight alone – get help.
First, let’s address a fundamental question. To push or to pull – which is better? In most circumstances, pushing an object presents less injury potential than pulling it. There are several reasons for this. First, you can develop greater force by leaning into a load and pushing it than you can by leaning away from the load and pulling it. Second, when you are pulling an object with both hands you cannot see where you are going and could trip over an object. For obvious reasons, it is NEVER a good idea to walk backward on a roof. If using only one hand to pull an object, you have one arm stretched behind you, placing your back and shoulders in an awkward posture – which can easily lead to injury. Furthermore, when pulling an object, you could run over your feet or could lose your grip and fall backward.
Since pushing is preferable, here are 5 basic guidelines to help you minimize the potential for injury associated with pushing. Remember, how you push a load is critical.
• When pushing, your hands should be between your elbow and hip.
• Square up to the load so you don’t twist your body.
• Keep your feet spread a little with good footing.
• Ensure you have adequate traction.
• If you can’t push it easily with your body weight alone – get help.
DISCUSS WITH YOUR CREW
What objects do you push or pull on the job?
Are there objects that should be pushed by two employees to minimize the potential for injury?
Are there occasions when pulling (instead of pushing) a wheeled device on the job is essential?
Is there ever an occasion where you pull an object while on the roof and walk backward in the process? If so, what can be done to change that process?