Safety Rules of Manual Lifting
When lifting and moving a heavy object, it may seem easy to just grab the item and quickly hoist it. This can be a recipe for a back injury. However, by following a few simple safety rules for manual lifting, you can avoid putting unnecessary strain on your body.
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Evaluating a Situation
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Before moving a heavy object, first determine if it should be accomplished with equipment, such as a dolly or hand truck. When using these, remember to push, not pull. By pushing, you have more leverage and greater control.
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Causes of Back Injuries
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When engaging in manual lifting, it is important to to keep your back's safety in mind. Back injury is usually caused by lifting with your back bowed outward, or by jerking or twisting too quickly.
Importance of Squatting
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One of the main safety lifting techniques is to begin by squatting, instead of bending over. Bending at the waist causes to the back to bow out and can put too much pressure on the lower back. After squatting at the knees, hold your lower back in toward the object you are lifting.
Raising a Load
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When standing up, keep the object as close to you as possible. Raise your head first and keep your back vertical. Lift with your legs, so when you stand you should feel it in your thighs, not your back.
Twisting and Turning
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Turn with your feet, not your body, if you must turn. Keep the area above your waist still, and any turning should be done by walking. Never twist or jerk, and never throw the object. It is also important to wear shoes with nonslip soles so you don't skid while turning.
Putting Down an Object
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Once you have lifted and moved the object, continue to follow the rules of back safety. While keeping your back straight and your feet shoulder-width apart, squat down and gently place the object before you. Do not simply drop it, as it may land on your foot.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit "packaging" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: rick (Rick Audet) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.
