1. Lifting Techniques

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

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

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

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

6. 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 2a

7. If back pain occurs 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 2b

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

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

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

11. 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 5a

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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