1. Lifting Techniques

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. If back pain occurs 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 2b

6. Injuries that occur to backs
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 3a

7. Correct lifting posture
Bend knees
Center body over the load
Lift straight up
Never twist or turn when lifting
Adds strain to back’s disks, muscles, ligaments, tendons
Plan your lift to avoid awkward positions
Set load down if you’re losing your grip 4a

8. Never twist or turn when lifting
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 5b

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

10. Lowering the load 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 7b

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

12. Plan ahead
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 9a

13. Plan ahead Use material handling equipment if load is too heavy
forklifts
hoists
dollies 9c

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