How to Lift Heavy Objects Safely

Lifting a heavy object can injure your back, pull muscles or, if dropped, cause further injury to you or others. If you lift heavy objects correctly, you can save yourself a lot of pain in the present and long-term damage that could affect your future health and well-being. The following steps show how to lift heavy objects safely.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Evaluate the object you are lifting to see if it is unequally balanced, if it has handles and where the best place to grasp it is. Know where you are going with the object before you begin.

2. Stand directly in front of the item that you wish to lift. Center your body over it and position your feet shoulder width apart.

3. Tighten your stomach muscles and stand straight and tall, keeping your back as straight as possible.

4. Bend your knees. Without moving your upper body, squat down to the floor.

5. Grab the item you wish to lift firmly with one hand on either side of it. Hold on to it firmly and in such a way that it is balanced.

6. Use your leg muscles to raise your body to a standing position while lifting the object off the floor at the same time. Lift slowly, not with a sudden jerk upward. Keep the item close to your torso, using your body to help balance the object.

7. Walk with the item without twisting your body. Stand straight and take small steps. Have someone help you by leading the way if you cannot see where you are going to avoid running into someone or something.

Tips & Warnings

• Your back should remain straight at all times when lifting heavy objects. Use only your leg muscles to lift the object.
• When lowering the object, bend at the knees, keeping your back straight. Use only the leg muscles as you lower the object to the floor or table. Lower the item gently one side at a time to prevent smashing your fingers.

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