Recognised Safe Lifting and Handling Techniques

Stop and think Plan the lift. Where is the load to be placed? Use appropriate handling aids if possible. Do you need help with the load? Remove obstructions such as discarded wrapping materials. For a long lift, such as floor to shoulder height, consider resting your load mid-way on a table or bench to change grip.

Position the Feet Feet apart, giving a balanced and sable base for lifting (tight skirts and unsuitable footwear make this difficult). Leading leg forward as is comfortable, and if possible pointing in the direction you intend to go.

Adopt a good posture When lifting from a low level, bend your knees. But do not kneel or overflex the knees. Keep your back straight, maintaining its natural curve (tucking in the chin helps). Lean forward a little over the load if necessary to get a good grip. Keep your shoulders level and facing in the same direction as your hips.

Get a firm grip Try to keep your arms within the boundary formed by your legs. The best position and type of grip depends on the circumstances and individual preference; but must be secure. A hook grip is less tiring than keeping your fingers straight. If you need to vary the grip as the lift proceeds, do it as smoothly as possible.

Keep close to the load Don’t jerk Move the feet Keep the load close to your trunk for as long as possible. Keep heaviest side of the load next to your trunk. If a close approach to the load is not possible, slide it towards you before trying to lift. Don’t jerk Lift smoothly, raising your chin as the lift begins, keeping control of the load. Move the feet Don’t twist your trunk when turning to the side.

Put down then adjust If precise positioning of the load is necessary, put it down first, then slide it into your desired position.

Kinetic Lifting Technique for a Simple Load 1 3 4 2

Kinetic Lifting Technique For a Dual Person Lift from Ground Level

Kinetic Lifting Technique 2 Person Lift

Kinetic Lifting HOW NOT TO DO IT!!

7 Steps to Safe Lifting - Base Movement 1st Assess the load – can you lift it safely? 2nd Place your feet at ten-to-two 3rd BEND you knees 4th Back - KEEP IT STRAIGHT & UPRIGHT 5th Neck & head – keep your chin up. 6th Grip – “front knee, high hand, far corner” and “back knee, low hand, near corner”. 7th Load - hold it in close to your pelvis. Remember – use these good principles for lifting in different situations and don’t stick blindly to rules and procedures

Points to remember: Practicing good lifting technique does not enable you to lift more than you could before. It means that, whatever your individual capabilities, your chances of injury are reduced. Good technique is just one of a number of control measures, within the hierarchy of control, that the employer has to put in place to reduce manual handling risks; it is not a panacea. This is about a cultural change, about not accepting practices because that’s the way they’ve always been done.