When physically handling a motor, your fingers can easily be crushed; a momentary slip causes permanent disfigurement. The risk of back injury is also high. Let’s review some ways that you can protect yourself from these types of injuries.
• At receiving (or the stockroom), inspect the lifting eye before attempting to lift the motor. A problem with the eye could cost you your foot.
• Along with inspecting the eye, clean any grease off the shaft. Also wipe the zircs (fittings).
• Don’t reach under the motor; if there is a slip, you want your hands clear of the fall path.
• Don’t push or grab the motor by its shaft. The shaft turns, and if you’re pushing on it while the motor body is moving you could lose your balance. Any side force you apply to the shaft is not exactly good for the bearings, either.
• Muscling a motor into its final location puts your spine, fingers, and shoulders at risk of injury. Let equipment (e.g., lift truck, pry bars, hoists) do the heavy work.
• Have one person coordinate efforts, so people aren’t in the wrong place.
