Safe Lifting - Doing the Job Effectively and Safely
Principles:
THINK – The Process
1. Do you actually need to lift? Are there alternatives?
2. Weight of load. Do you need help?
THINK – You
1. Are you dressed appropriately? Tight clothing and high heels are definite NOs!
2. Are you particularly vulnerable to possible injury? Chronic back pain sufferers may need to rethink lifting loads
LIFTING TECHNIQUE
1. Stand close to the load and center yourself over it with your feet shoulder width apart.
2. Guard up with your abdominal muscles and tighten your abdominal muscles.
3. Keeping your back straight, bend your knees and squat down to the floor
4. Get a good grasp on the load with both hands
5. Keeping the load close to your body use your leg muscles to stand up lifting the load off the floor
6. Your back should remain straight throughout lifting, using only the muscles in the legs to lift the load
7. Do not twist your body when moving the load. Instead take small steps with your feet turning until your are in the correct position
8. Again bend at the knees using only your leg muscles and place the load in the appropriate spot.
