Lifting

Techniques

Basic rules of good

lifting

Size up the load before you lift

Bend your knees

Center yourself
over the load

1a

Basic rules of good

lifting

Get a good hand hold

Lift straight up - let

your legs do the work

Dont twist or turn

1b

Basic rules of good

lifting

Have a clear path

Set the load down

properly

Always push a
cart or dolly
1c

Basic rules of good

lifting

Get help for long loads

Split up heavy loads

when you can

1d

If back pain occurs

You may have a serious problem

if:
resting a few days
doesnt help
you have a feeling of
numbness in your
lower limbs

2a

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

Injuries that occur to

backs

Strains and sprains

Ruptured or slipped disks

Chronic tension and

stress

Other forms of back

pain
3a

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

Correct lifting posture

Bend knees

Center body over

the load

Lift straight up

4a

Never twist or turn

when lifting

Adds strain to backs disks,

muscles, ligaments, tendons

Plan your lift to avoid awkward

positions

Set load down if youre losing

your grip
5a

Never twist or turn

when lifting

Dont twist and turn or juggle

load to regain grip

Keep back as straight as

possible

5b

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

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

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

Lowering the load

Bend the knees

Slowly lower it; do not

drop the load

Avoid sudden
movements
7a

Lowering the load

Bend knees to let leg muscles

support the weight

Lower the load at the

same time if
working with
partner
7b

Pushing versus pulling a

load

Pushing a load is easier on the

back

Pushing a load
is easier to
control

8a

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

Plan ahead

Size up the load:

Can it be split into multiple loads?

Smaller loads cause less strain on
the back

9b

Plan ahead

Use material handling

equipment if load is too heavy
Forklifts
Hoists
Dollies

9c

Other factors in back

injuries

Age of employee

Improper postures when

sleeping, standing, sitting

Physical condition of employee

Repetitive motions
10a

Summary of main points

Types of injuries

Proper lifting techniques

Other factors in back injuries

11a