by JERRY LEEMKUIL

As one of the leading causes of disability for workers, back injuries can develop over time from long-term repetitive activity or result from a single mishap. 1

Management’ s Role in Back Injury Prevention

There are plenty of ways for back injuries to occur in the equipment dealer industry. As a business owner, your leadership is essential in helping your employees keep the idea of protecting their backs front-of-mind. Consider taking these actions:

• Create a Safety Policy – This may include guidelines on proper lifting practices, supervision, team assistance, and using appropriate tools.

• Conduct a Hazard Analysis – Identify lifting risks and work with employees to address them.

There are plenty of ways for back injuries to occur in the equipment dealer industry. As a business owner, your leadership is essential in helping your employees keep the idea of protecting their backs front-of-mind.

• Host Regular Safety Meetings and Training – Discuss back injury prevention on a frequent basis.

• Provide Lifting Aids – Offer tools like adjustable carts and hoists for heavy items.

Tips for Safe Lifting

Consider reviewing these lifting tips with your team:

• Stretch in advance to improve mobility and reduce muscle tension.

• Ensure there’ s adequate space and a clear path around you before lifting.

• Test the weight of each object and ask for help if it’ s too heavy.

• Bend your knees and use your legs to lift, not your lower back.

• Keep the load close to your body.

• Avoid twisting or straining while carrying a load.

• Use ergonomic equipment like dollies or hoists for heavier loads.

Beyond the Workplace

Prioritizing back health doesn’ t stop at work. Remind your employees to practice these techniques at home, where lifting tasks can also take a toll. Reach out to your local Federated Insurance ® marketing representative today for more risk management information. Federated ® clients can access mySHIELD ® for additional industry-specific resources.

1. OSHA. Back Disorders and Injuries. https:// www. osha. gov / otm / section-7-ergonomics / chapter-1. Accessed September 24, 2025.

Federated ® can help clients develop loss prevention strategies, prepare training sessions, and support your organization’ s risk management efforts. For assistance or more information, contact the Risk Management Resource Center at 1-888-333-4949. EDM

This article is for general information and risk prevention only and should not be considered legal or other expert advice. The recommendations herein may help reduce, but are not guaranteed to eliminate any or all risk of loss. The information herein may be subject to, and is not a substitute for any laws or regulations that may apply. This information is accurate as of its publication date and is subject to change. Some of the services referenced herein may be provided by third parties wholly independent of Federated. Federated provides access to these services with the understanding that neither Federated nor its employees provide legal or other expert advice. All products and services not available in all states. Qualified counsel should be sought with questions specific to your circumstances and applicable laws.

Federated Mutual Insurance Company • Federated Service Insurance Company * Federated Life Insurance Company • Federated Reserve Insurance Company * • Granite Re, Inc.* †

* Not licensed in all states. † Granite Re, Inc. conducts business in California as Granite Surety Insurance Company.

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JERRY LEEMKUIL is an equipment dealer specialist for Association Risk Management Services, Federated Insurance Company. For information, write to Jerry at jjleemkuil @ fedins. com or call 1-507-455-5507.

40 EQUIPMENT DEALER MAGAZINE • U. S. EDITION