Work Right NW

Newsletters, Vol. 11

Newsletter Vol 11. Issue 19

You know the moment. You approach a bulky, weird-shaped object and do that half-second shuffle. Should I grab it here? There? Am I about to throw my back out in front of everyone?

This week, we’re continuing our theme on Proper Lifting Posture by focusing on what to do when the lift itself is awkward. The size, shape, and weight distribution may be unpredictable, but your approach doesn’t have to be. Don’t make it awkward. Learn how to adjust your stance, call in backup, and stay in control even when the object doesn’t make it easy.

Newsletter Vol 11. Issue 18

Lifting is one of the most frequent movements on the job, and it can be one of the most overlooked when it comes to injury risk.

This week, we’re kicking off a new theme on the finer points of what Proper Lifting Posture really means, why it matters more than just “lift with your legs,” and how small changes in form can help preserve strength and prevent strain. Read on to reset the basics and bring some thought back to an automatic movement.

Newsletter Vol 11. Issue 17

Ladders are a common sight on the job, and unfortunately, they’re also a common factor in workplace injuries.

This week, we’re breaking down why ladders should be a last resort, how small missteps can lead to big risks, and what to keep in mind when using them. Read on for a clear checklist and practical tips to help you stay balanced and injury-free.

Newsletter Vol 11. Issue 16

We tend to think of safety equipment as the gear we lace up, clip on, or zip up, but what about what’s underfoot?

This week’s Digest continues our [E] Evaluate Your Equipment theme with a closer look at one of the most overlooked pieces of gear on the job: your shoes. They’re not just part of the uniform, they’re part of your defense system. From hidden wear and tear to the impact your footwear has on your whole body, we’re stepping into why your shoes deserve a regular spot in your equipment check.

Before you grab and go, take a minute to make sure your gear is working with you, not against you. Fit matters. So does checking it.

Newsletter Vol 11. Issue 15

You’ve got the gear. Now the question is – does it actually fit? This week’s Digest continues our focus on [E] Evaluate Your Equipment, zooming in on PPE. Because gloves that slip, boots that drag, or a hard hat that never quite stays put isn’t protection. It’s a hazard waiting to happen.

Before you grab and go, take a minute to make sure your gear is working with you, not against you. Fit matters. So does checking it.

Newsletter Vol 11. Issue 14

Yes, we’re serious. This week we’re recommending a checklist… for your checklist. Because when it comes to injury prevention, assuming everything’s “probably fine” isn’t going to cut it.

Before you fall into routine, take a moment to rethink the monotony in this week’s Digest topic. Even a checklist designed for safety can have its risks if not evaluated regularly. When was the last time you checked your checklist?

Newsletter Vol 11. Issue 13

This April, we shift from recognizing hazards to evaluating the tools and equipment we rely on every day. The best gear in the world can still cause problems if it’s not ready. Or, if we assume it is.

This week’s article begins the next series in our Prevention Favors the Prepared theme – [E] Evaluate Your Equipment reminds us why we should never coast through our equipment checks or skip the steps that set us up for preventing injuries.

Newsletter Vol 11. Issue 12

Not every hazard announces itself. Sometimes, it’s the absence of a second set of eyes, a nearby voice, or someone to call out what you didn’t see.

As we close out this month’s focus on [R] Recognizing Your Hazards, we’re turning our attention to solo work and the risks that come when you’re the only one in the room.

Newsletter Vol 11. Issue 11

We’ve been working through a number of unseen hazards, but one that might not seem as obvious (yet can carry an even greater risk) is grief. The burden of loss doesn’t clock out when we clock in. It follows us, affecting our focus, decision-making, and even our physical well-being.

And, like the other hazards we’ve discussed this month, risk mitigation starts with recognition. Identifying when we (or our teammates) are carrying the weight of grief is the first step in navigating it safely.

Newsletter Vol 11. Issue 10

Not every hazard is visible. Like we learned last week, some are hiding in plain sight. But, if we’re only looking for flashing lights and caution tape, we’re missing half the picture. 

This week, we continue our focus on Recognizing Our Hazards, the second R in PREPARED, by taking a closer listen, a deeper breath, and a sharper awareness of the environmental risks that don’t always meet the eye.

Newsletter Vol 11. Issue 9

Not every hazard comes with flashing lights and warning signs. Some are hiding in plain sight, just waiting for the right moment to take you down. A loose cord, a forgotten puddle, a sneaky scrap of plastic underfoot… the overly mundane is often the most dangerous. 

That’s why this month, we’re focusing on Recognizing Your Hazards, the second R in our PREPARED acronym. Because spotting risks early is the best way to avoid them altogether. But first, a few wise words on the lurking dangers of Tripzops and Slipzicks… beware!

Newsletter Vol 11. Issue 8

We all know what working and moving look like, but desking? It might not be a real word, but the effects of prolonged sitting are very real. Hours at a desk (or in any stationary position, for that matter) can leave muscles stiff, joints tight, and energy drained. That’s why stretching isn’t just for industrial athletes. Deskletes need it too.

To close out our [P] Pre-Shift Warm-ups theme in February, we’re breaking down why movement matters, how stretching helps, and what you can do to keep your body feeling its best – even when your job keeps you sitting.

This week, we’re looking at why these small breaks make a big difference and how you can use them to stay strong, mobile, and ready for whatever the workday brings.

Newsletter Vol 11. Issue 7

Work Right constantly stresses the importance of your warm-up before work, but let’s not forget the small resets during the day. Long shifts, repetitive movements, and staying in one position for too long can take a toll. That’s where microbreaks come in. These short, intentional movements that keep your body loose, reduce fatigue, and help prevent injuries before they start become just as important as that pre-shift warm-up over the course of a long day.

This week, we’re looking at why these small breaks make a big difference and how you can use them to stay strong, mobile, and ready for whatever the workday brings.

Newsletter Vol 11. Issue 6

Last week, we asked, “Are you giving your body the right start before work?” But what about our minds?

Physical warm-ups get a lot of attention, but mental preparation is just as important for staying sharp, focused, and ready for the demands of the day. Before your shift even starts, your brain is already processing what’s ahead. So why not set it up to succeed too?

This week, we’re taking a closer look at how a mental warm-up can improve focus, reduce stress, and help you navigate challenges before they even happen.

Newsletter Vol 11. Issue 5

Before the workday even begins, your body is already preparing for the demands ahead. But are you giving it the right start?

With the turn of the calendar to February, we’re beginning our deep dive into the first letter of PREPARED – [P] Pre-Shift Warm-Ups. It’s these simple, intentional movements that help us stay flexible, reduce strain, and prevent injuries before they happen. A few minutes of preparation can set the tone for a safer, more efficient workday. Read ahead and make sure you’re ready with the right start.

Newsletter Vol 11. Issue 4

Your cardiovascular system powers everything you do, from demanding tasks at work to time spent with loved ones. But how do you prepare your heart for the challenges of daily life?

With February just around the corner, we’re gearing up for Cardiovascular Health Awareness Month and introducing the Work Right with Heart Challenge. It’s a practical, approachable way to build heart-healthy habits that last. Read ahead and prepare for a stronger, healthier you.

Newsletter Vol 11. Issue 3

At Work Right, we know that prevention starts with intentionality. But how do we train our minds to adopt the principles of PREPARED? This week, we’re exploring practical ways to build a bias toward safety, from gradual habit-building to making mindful movements part of your routine.

By creating a PREPARED mindset, we we not only reduce injury risks but also lead by example—empowering our teams and transforming workplace culture one step at a time.

This week, we’re breaking down the PREPARED framework, one letter at a time. From warm-ups to recovery, these principles guide you through each moment of the workday, keeping safety, efficiency, and confidence at the forefront. Because when it comes to prevention, it’s not just about reacting—it’s about being PREPARED.

Newsletter Vol 11. Issue 2

Whether you’re a new or seasoned industrial athlete, if you’ve interacted with Work Right, you’re likely a little familiar with our PREPARED acronym. At Work Right, we believe that staying safe and injury-free starts with clear, actionable steps that set you up for success. That’s where PREPARED comes in.

This week, we’re breaking down the PREPARED framework, one letter at a time. From warm-ups to recovery, these principles guide you through each moment of the workday, keeping safety, efficiency, and confidence at the forefront. Because when it comes to prevention, it’s not just about reacting—it’s about being PREPARED.

Newsletter Vol 11. Issue 1

Can you ever be too prepared? Some might think so, but when it comes to staying safe and avoiding injuries, there’s no such thing. Preparation is more than readiness. It’s about setting yourself up for success, no matter what comes your way.

This week (and in 2025!), we’re exploring why Prevention Favors the PREPARED. By focusing on proactive habits, you’ll find that preparation doesn’t just protect. It empowers. Start 2025 with the confidence that comes from being ready for anything!

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