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Before you try to lift something, take a good look at it. Check for stability—you don't want items falling out of a box or a bag breaking when you pick it up. Will you be able to get a good grip? Is there a clean, dry place for you to get a full grip on the load with both hands? Is the load obviously too heavy for one person? Follow your company's lifting weight restrictions. If you don't know how much the load weighs, try testing the weight by carefully pushing or lifting at one of the corners. If the load is too heavy, you may be able to break it up into smaller loads, use mechanical handling equipment, or get someone to help you. Never try to lift something that is too heavy. If you are working with a partner, have a procedure so you both know to lift at the same time to keep the load balanced.
Before you lift, make sure you have a clear path and a place to set down the load. If you won't be able to see over the load while you're carrying it, you'll need help to move it. When you need to lift on the job, you need to follow safe lifting techniques.
Avoiding sudden movements is one way to prevent back injuries while carrying a load. When you're ready to set down the load, remember to let your leg muscles support the weight by bending your knees as you lower the load. It's just as heavy on the way down as it was on the way up. If you're working with a partner, you both need to lower the load at the same time to keep the weight balanced.
The basic rules of good lifting are:
- Size up the load before you lift. Test by lifting one of the corners or pushing. If it's heavy or feels too clumsy, get a mechanical aid or help from another worker. When in doubt, don't lift alone!
- Bend the knees. Note that this item is the single, most important aspect of lifting.
- Place your feet close to the object and center yourself over the load.
- Get a good hand-hold.
- Lift straight up, smoothly, and let your legs do the work, not your back!
- Do not twist or turn your body once you have made the lift.
- Make sure beforehand that you have a clear path to carry the load, and a place to set it down.
- Set the load down properly.
- Always push a load on a cart or dolly, do not pull it.
There are two more points to make:
- If it's a long load, get some help.
- Split the load into several smaller ones when you can.