Lift Smart, Live Well: Preventing Lifting and Ergonomic Injuries Everywhere

At BrightView, safety goes beyond the job site—it’s a mindset that protects team members wherever they are. In recognition of National Safety Month, this week’s focus is on a common, yet preventable source of injury: lifting and ergonomic strain.

Whether it’s loading tools into a truck, moving bags of mulch, or lifting something at home, the way individuals move matters. Injuries caused by poor lifting techniques or repetitive strain are among the most frequently reported, not due to major accidents, but because of everyday motions performed incorrectly.

“Ergonomic safety isn’t just about heavy lifting; it’s about how we move, how we work, and how we take care of our bodies,” said Kristi Falliaux, Senior Manager, Environmental Health and Safety. “If we can build healthy movement habits at work, they’ll naturally carry into our daily lives.”

To help prevent injury, safety experts recommend following these safe practices:

• Lift with the legs, not the back.
• Keep the load close to the body.
• Avoid twisting while carrying weight. Turn the whole body instead.
• Use both hands and maintain a strong, balanced stance.
• Ask for help or use mechanical aids when the load is too heavy.
• Stretch regularly, especially before and after physical tasks.

It only takes one wrong move to cause a long-term injury, but by developing smart habits, team members can protect their backs, shoulders, and joints, both on and off the clock.

At BrightView, safety is a shared responsibility that begins with small, intentional choices. Let’s all commit to lifting smart and moving mindfully every day.

Push for Perfection 3-6-5!