Protect Your Back This National Safe Work Month

APG Workforce’s October toolbox talk, “Protect Your Back”, brought National Safe Work Month into everyday tasks. Supporting the theme “Safe work is for life”, it encouraged workers to pause, check the task and ask for help when needed.

From lifting and carrying to pushing, pulling and repetitive movements, the talk focused on activities that can put strain on our backs.

Take a Moment Before You Start

Busy shifts and familiar tasks can make it easy to get straight into the job. Our toolbox talk encouraged workers to check the load, clear their path and use the equipment provided.

It also reinforced the importance of following safe work procedures and asking for assistance when a task is heavy, awkward or difficult to manage.

Speak Up Early

Pain or discomfort deserves attention. Workers were reminded to stop, seek assistance, speak with their site supervisor and notify their APG branch so concerns could be followed up.

These conversations help us understand what’s happening on site and identify tasks that need reviewing.

Keeping Safety Part of the Conversation

Our monthly toolbox talks give workers practical reminders they can carry into their next shift. October’s message was simple. Taking care of your back at work helps protect your ability to enjoy life outside it, too.