STRAINS AND LIFTING INJURIES
Profit Sheet – Cost Reduction Guide

Based on a sampling of claims in 500 McDonald’s stores, 28% were due to Strains amounting to $823,373 in losses

Observation Solution
1. Lower Back Strains Proper Lifting of syrup boxes, ice buckets, and other heavy items.
2. Shoulder Strains Proper storage locations

REDUCING INJURY EXPOSURES: 

  1. Reducing exposure to heavy lift strains:
    1. Move heavy objects to middle shelves to reduce bending. This includes syrup boxes, beef patties, bags of McCafe milk, and other heavy items.
    2. Place more frequently moved items on middle shelves, and avoid top and bottom shelves. This includes where items are stored, and where they are used.
    3. Encourage employees who are better able to perform the lifts to assist.
    4. Place more frequently changed syrup boxes on the middle of the dispenser rack.
    5. Train all employees in proper lifting techniques.
    6. Encourage two-person lifts on heavy items.
    7. Lift garbage to the dumpster carefully. Swinging the bag in a twisting motion can wrench the back and cause serious injury.
  2. Reducing Shoulder Strains
    1. Never place heavy items on top shelves.
    2. If items must be stacked high in the freezer, keep heavy items no more than chest height.
    3. Encourage taller employees to assist with items that are higher up.
    4. Train all employees to never climb shelves.
    5. Restrict employees with prior shoulder injuries from reaching to lift.

FREE RESOURCES TO ASSIST IN REDUCING STRAINS:

Resources from Profiting From Safety – www.profitingfromsafety.com

QUICK PRINT – Back to Lifting

QUICK VIDEO – The Force of Improper Lifting

Protecting Crew Backs