Lifting Techniques Basic rules of good lifting v

Lifting Techniques

Basic rules of good lifting v Size up the load before you lift v Bend your knees v Center yourself over the load 1 a

Basic rules of good lifting v Get a good hand hold v Lift straight up - let your legs do the work v Don’t twist or turn 1 b

Basic rules of good lifting v Have a clear path v Set the load down properly v Always push a cart or dolly 1 c

Basic rules of good lifting v Get help for long loads v Split up heavy loads when you can 1 d

If back pain occurs v You if: may have a serious problem • resting a few days doesn’t help • you have a feeling of numbness in your lower limbs 2 a

If back pain occurs v For on-the-job relief: • get up a stretch if you sit for long periods • shift your feet if you stand • avoid leaning to one side if you stand 2 b

Injuries that occur to backs v Strains and sprains v Ruptured v Chronic stress v Other pain or slipped disks tension and forms of back 3 a

Injuries that occur to backs v Some injuries require surgery v Some injuries lead to permanent disability v Back injuries can limit activities on and off the job 3 b

Correct lifting posture v Bend knees v Center body over the load v Lift straight up 4 a

Never twist or turn when lifting v Adds strain to back’s disks, muscles, ligaments, tendons v Plan your lift to avoid awkward positions v Set load down if you’re losing your grip 5 a

Never twist or turn when lifting v Don’t twist and turn or juggle load to regain grip v Keep back as straight as possible 5 b

Carrying the load v Ensure a clear path v Ensure a place where load can be set down v Check v Can for stability of load you get a good grip? 6 a

Carrying the load v Is the load too heavy for one person? v Follow lifting weight restrictions v Test the weight by carefully pushing load, or lifting one corner 6 b

Carrying the load v Use mechanical equipment if load is too heavy v Get help if load is too heavy - lift at the same time to keep load balanced 6 c

Lowering the load v Bend the knees v Slowly lower it; do not drop the load v Avoid sudden movements 7 a

Lowering the load v Bend knees to let leg muscles support the weight v Lower the load at the same time if working with partner 7 b

Pushing versus pulling a load v Pushing back a load is easier on the v Pushing a load is easier to control 8 a

Plan ahead v Avoid using lower rack for moderately heavy to heavy items, or awkward items v Get help when lifting heavy, awkward, or long items 9 a

Plan ahead v Size up the load: • Can it be split into multiple loads? • Smaller loads cause less strain on the back 9 b

Plan ahead v Use material handling equipment if load is too heavy • Forklifts • Hoists • Dollies 9 c

Other factors in back injuries v Age of employee v Improper postures when sleeping, standing, sitting v Physical condition of employee v Repetitive motions 10 a

Summary of main points v Types of injuries v Proper v Other lifting techniques factors in back injuries 11 a