In this series we look at possible injuries you might sustain operating an outdoor movie screen or package. This list is by no means complete and is meant simply as thought provoking article, not medical advice. Speak with a doctor about your particular situation if you have a concern.
1. Back strain/injury - when moving heavy items, exercise basic common sense! If in doubt get help! If you haven't lifted anything over the winter, you are out of shape. Use good biomechanics or a back brace. Also, if you can get the equipment to where you will be using it, there is less wok for you. In short be careful, get help, don't be a hero.
2. Shoulder injury - any work involving stress which takes place above your shoulder involves the risk of shoulder injury. Generally speaking, while holding screen tethers, do not do so above shoulder level. This is important! Also, repeating myself, use good biomechanics. I dislocated a shoulder trying to lift a subwoofer into a cargo van, I was stooped over and turned so that the speaker was slightly behind me. You don't want to do this it hurts!
3. Sun and dehydration - doing a setup on a 95 degree day with 95% humidity will drain you. Drink fluids to the point where you urinate every hour up to one liter of fluid per hour. Take breaks and know your limits. Do not wear a black outfit and use a baseball cap as well. It is tempting to forgo sunscreen when doing an install because you sweat it off pretty quickly and its sticky nature just makes more dirt stick to you. Use the sunscreen anyway! And reapply frequently.
These three bits of advice may seem completely common sense but you would shocked how often they are not followed. Staying uninjured and comfortable through the season is our wish for you from Outdoor Movies!
Bob Deutsch
www.outdoor-movies.com
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