The hazard
We lift, carry, push and pull materials by hand all day. One bad lift can strain your back, and a dropped load can crush fingers or toes. Even light loads add up when you move them all shift with poor technique. Planning the move takes a moment and can save you a lot of pain.
The action
Materials stored in tiers must be stacked and secured so they will not slide or collapse, in construction (29 CFR 1926.250(a)(1)) and in general industry (29 CFR 1910.176(b)). In construction, bagged materials must be stacked by stepping back the layers and cross-keying the bags at least every 10 bags high (29 CFR 1926.250(b)(4)), and lumber that will be handled manually must not be stacked more than 16 feet high (29 CFR 1926.250(b)(8)(iv)). Store heavy items at about waist height when you can, so the next person does not have to lift from the floor. (29 CFR 1926.250(a)(1))
ASK THE CREW
Where are the carts, dollies and hoists, and what keeps us from using them?
From the talk: Safe lifting and manual handling. Read it in full, free, with the questions and the sign-in sheet.