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
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
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
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
If back pain occurs
2b
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
Injuries that occur to backs
3a
o Bend kneeso Center body over the loado Lift straight up
Correct lifting posture
4a
Never twist or turn when lifting
o Adds strain to back’s disks, muscles, ligaments, tendons
o Plan your lift to avoid awkward positionso Set load down if you’re losing your grip
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
Never twist or turn when lifting
5b
Get help if load is too
heavy - lift at the same
time to keep load balanced
Use mechanical equipment
if load is too heavy
Carrying the load
6c
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
Lowering the load
7b
Pushing a load is easier on the back
Pushing a load is easier to control
Pushing versus pulling a load
8a
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
Plan ahead
9a