Lifting Techniques

Basic rules of good lifting

Size up the load before you lift

Bend your knees

Center yourself over the load

Get a good hand hold

Lift straight up – let your legs do the work

Don’t twist or turn

1a

Basic rules of good lifting

Have a clear path Ensure a place where load can

be set down Set the load down properly Always push a cart or dolly Get help for long loads Split up heavy loads when

you can Check for stability of load Make sure you have a good

grip on the load

1c

If back pain occurs

You may have a serious

problem if:

◦resting a few days doesn’t help

◦you have a feeling of numbness

in your lower limbs

If the pain doesn’t go away:

◦Seek medical attention

2a

For on-the-job relief:

◦get up and stretch if you sit for

long periods

◦shift your feet if you stand

◦avoid leaning to one side if you

stand

If back pain occurs

2b

Strains and sprains

Ruptured or slipped disks

Chronic tension and stress

Other forms of back pain

Some injuries require surgery

Some injuries lead to permanent disability

Back injuries can limit activities on and off the job

Injuries that occur to backs

3a

o Bend kneeso Center body over the loado Lift straight up

Correct lifting posture

4a

Never twist or turn when lifting

o Adds strain to back’s disks, muscles, ligaments, tendons

o Plan your lift to avoid awkward positionso Set load down if you’re losing your grip

Don’t twist and turn or juggle load to

regain grip

Keep back as straight as possible

Follow lifting weight restrictions

Test the weight by carefully pushing

load, or lifting one corner

Never twist or turn when lifting

5b

Get help if load is too

heavy - lift at the same

time to keep load balanced

Use mechanical equipment

if load is too heavy

Carrying the load

6c

Bend the knees Slowly lower it; do not

drop the load Avoid sudden movements Bend knees to let leg

muscles support the weight

Lower the load at the same time if working with a partner

Lowering the load

7b

Pushing a load is easier on the back

Pushing a load is easier to control

Pushing versus pulling a load

8a

Avoid using lower rack for moderately heavy to heavy items, or awkward items

Get help when lifting heavy, awkward, or long items

Size up the load:◦split it into multiple loads

if possible ◦smaller loads cause less

strain on the back

Plan ahead

9a

Use material

handling equipment

if load is too heavy

◦ forklifts

◦ hoists

◦ dollies

Plan ahead

9c

Age of employee

Improper postures when sleeping, standing, sitting

Physical condition of employee

Repetitive motions

Other factors in back injuries

10a