As package volumes continue to increase,Tampa Officer In Charge Richard Fermo (second, right) asked National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) President Branch 599 Tony Diaz (right) to give a refresher course to Sulpher Springs employees on proper lifting techniques because improper lifting is the number one cause of back injuries. Diaz approached a package and explained, “The first step is to plan your lift and test the load. Ask for help if the package is too heavy.”
Next, Diaz (above)
kneeled down and demonstrated how to create a stable base by keeping feet apart
before lifting. Diaz explained that is
important to tighten muscles and lift slowly, letting your legs do the lifting.
Diaz (above) demonstrated that the package should be held close to the body and twisting should
be avoided when lifting.
To illustrate what an improper lift would look like, Diaz (above) reminded employees not to bend at the waist and not to lift packages using only back muscles.
Thank you, Tony and the Tampa Team, for committing to safety!
