Safety Tip: Protect Your Back

August 21, 2018

Whether you sit for long periods at your desk or spend most of your day on your feet, it's important to protect your back. Here are some tips to help protect your back.

According to the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, over one million workers suffer from back injuries every year.  A few simple tips can help you from being another injury statistic.  Back injuries occur so often because there are many different things that cause them, leaving every worker susceptible to a potential back injury or pain.  Consider these common causes of back injury:


  • Force - A back injury may arise when too much force is exerted on your back when lifting or moving a heavy object.
  • Repetition - The repetition of certain movements and having a slouching posture for too long are both causes of muscle fatigue and injury.
  • Lifestyle - There are many medical conditions and lifestyle choices that contribute to back injuries such as obesity, sleeping position, smoking and stress.


9 Tips for Minimizing Overexertion

1.  Notice fatigue and discomfort.  Don't lift if you're too tired or uncomfortable.
2.  Know your body and use good body mechanics.  Keep your back and neck straight -don't twist- and keep your head up.  Your body knows what it can and can't lift, we are all unique.
3.  Plan what you want to do ahead of time and don't be in a hurry to hurt your back.  Rushing tasks will reduce your concentration and may cause you to slip or not use the correct lifting and moving techniques.
4.  Keep objects as close to you as possible and use both hands with lifting.
5.  Avoid bending at the waist for prolonged periods of time.  This puts a large amount of strain on your spine and surrounding soft tissues.  Instead:

  • Raise the work, so you don't have to bend.
  • If you have to work at lower levels for any period of time, sit on a stable stool.
  • Avoid storing materials at ground level.

6. Minimize overhead lifting and reaching that causes the back to arch.  Excessive arching places stress on the small joints of the spine and places additional strain on the back and neck.

  • If you have to work overhead, get as close to your work as possible by standing on a platform or ladder.
  • Take frequent breaks by lowering your hands and periodically bending forward with your hands on your knees to stretch out your back.

7.  Move your feet.  Avoid standing in one spot while working.  This can force you to repeatedly bend and twist.
8.  Reduce your load.  It is better to make more small trips than one big trip with an over-sized load.  Be sure to divide your load into smaller boxes if you can.
9.  Get help.  If something is too awkward or too heavy to move yourself, find another person to help.

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When it comes to HVAC systems, no two buildings are exactly alike. The success of your system doesn’t end at installation - it depends on how it’s serviced and maintained for years to come. That’s why choosing the installing contractor for ongoing service provides an edge few building owners take full advantage of. With AT Mechanical, we bridge the gap between construction and service, ensuring our clients benefit from the same knowledge, skills, and engineering capabilities that went into designing and installing their systems. 1. We Know the System from the Inside Out No one knows your equipment better than the team that put it in place. From day one, we’ve had hands on the design, layout, and installation giving us intimate knowledge of every piece of equipment, its location, and its role in your building’s comfort and efficiency. 2. We Hold the Original Data Drawings, submittals, equipment lists, as-builts - these aren’t just pieces of paper. They’re a roadmap for long-term performance. Because we were the contractor, we already have this information on file, meaning fewer delays, better troubleshooting, and more informed maintenance planning. 3. Our Service Techs Work with Engineering Backing Typical service companies dispatch techs who may never have seen your system before. AT Mechanical’s team combines field experience with engineering knowledge, ensuring problems aren’t just fixed, they’re solved with foresight into long-term performance. 4. Faster Problem-Solving, Smarter Preventive Maintenance When an issue arises, our background as the installer cuts down on diagnostic time. And when it comes to preventive maintenance, we know exactly what to prioritize based on how your system was designed to perform. That means less wasted time, fewer surprises, and a longer system life. 5. A True Lifecycle Partner From construction through decades of service, we’re built to be your partner for the entire lifecycle of your system. That continuity sets us apart from companies that only handle one side of the equation. From Construction to Care Your HVAC system is one of the largest investments in your building, and its performance directly affects energy costs, comfort, and even your reputation with tenants or customers. Working with the contractor who installed your system means you’re not starting from scratch every time you need service. Instead, you gain a partner who: Already understands the unique design and performance goals of your equipment. Has immediate access to all original documentation, drawings, and specifications. Can provide both short-term fixes and long-term planning strategies. Brings engineering knowledge and service capabilities together under one roof. With AT Mechanical, you get more than a service provider - you get the same team that designed, built, and understands your system at its core. That’s the kind of continuity and expertise that keeps your building running efficiently for years to come.
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Strength Comes Not From Size But From Utilizing a Flexible and Dynamic Approach The HVAC industry is constantly changing, improving, and evolving. With a company culture that is collaborative and client-focused, AT Mechanical has been able to achieve success and growth, continuing to gain the trust and respect of those in the industry. As a full-service HVAC mechanical design contractor, AT Mechanical has differentiated itself from competitors by eliminating mistakes, focusing on being flexible and dynamic, utilizing forward-thinking systems and solutions and providing the best technology, resources, and tools to the team. To read the article featuring AT Mechanical, please visit SMACNA Greater Chicago .
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