Preventing Lifting and Ergonomic Injuries

At BrightView, safety isn’t just something we practice on the jobsite—it’s a mindset that protects us wherever we are.

Last week we talked about how BrightView arborists reduce risk by following key safety practices. During week two of National Safety Month, the focus is on one of the most common, and most preventable, workplace injuries: lifting and ergonomic strain.

Whether loading tools into a truck, moving bags of mulch, or lifting something at home, the way we move matters. Many lifting injuries don’t come from major accidents. They come from everyday movements repeated the wrong way.

“Ergonomic safety is about more than lifting heavy objects,” said Paul Croshaw, Manager of Environmental Health and Safety. “It’s about how we move, how we position our bodies, and how we prepare ourselves for the work ahead. When we build safe movement habits at work, they carry into everything we do.”

The impact of ergonomic injuries often extends far beyond the workplace. A strained back or injured shoulder can affect everything from playing with your kids to completing simple daily tasks at home. That’s why taking care of your body on the job is also an investment in your quality of life outside of work. Safe movement habits help ensure team members can continue doing the things they enjoy, both professionally and personally.

Creating a culture of ergonomic safety also means looking out for one another. Sometimes the safest choice is slowing down, speaking up, or offering help to a teammate handling a difficult lift. At BrightView, safety is built through teamwork, communication, and the understanding that every employee has a role in protecting themselves and those around them. When safe habits become part of the daily routine, they strengthen not only individual performance, but the entire team.

Simple habits and proper lifting techniques can significantly reduce the risk of injury in the workplace and during physical tasks:

• Lift with your legs, not your back—bend at the knees and keep your back straight
• Keep loads close to your body to reduce strain and improve control
• Avoid twisting while carrying weight—turn your whole body using your feet
• Maintain a stable stance with your feet shoulder-width apart for better balance
• Use both hands to ensure a firm, secure grip on objects
• Test the weight of a load before lifting to avoid overexertion
• Ask for assistance or use mechanical equipment when handling heavy or awkward items
• Plan your path before carrying a load and remove any tripping hazards
• Avoid lifting objects above shoulder height whenever possible
• Take breaks during repetitive tasks to prevent muscle fatigue and strain
• Wear proper footwear with good traction to reduce slips and falls
• Stretch and warm up before and after physical activity to improve flexibility and reduce tension

Back, shoulder, and joint injuries can take weeks or months to recover from, but they are often preventable with the right preparation and technique.

At BrightView, safety is a shared responsibility. Small choices made every day help protect our teams, our families, and our future.

It’s also important to remember that if there is an incident, team members must report it to their manager and safety representative in a timely manner.

Let’s lift smart, move with purpose, and continue to build a culture where safety comes first.

Push for Perfection 3-6-5!