Public Health & Safety
Proper Lifting Techniques
Lift with bent knees and a straight back!!!
Proper methods of lifting and handling protect against injury, and make work easier. You need to "think" about what you are going to do before bending to pick up an object. Over time, safe lifting technique should become a habit.
Following are the basics steps of safe lifting and handling:
- Size up the load and check overall conditions. Don't attempt the lift by yourself if the load appears to be too heavy or awkward. Check that there is enough space for movement, and that your footing is good. Practice "Good housekeeping" to ensure you won't trip or stumble over an obstacle.
- Know the limits! If the load is too heavy, awkward or bulky to carry alone, get help.
- Use equipment, such as pushcarts, hand truck, wheelbarrow, forklift or hoist to push (rather than pull) the load.
- Make certain that your balance is good. Feet should be shoulder width apart, with one foot beside and the other foot behind the object that is to be lifted.
- Bend the knees; don't stoop. Keep the back straight, but not vertical. (There is a difference. Tucking in the chin straightens the back.)
- Grip the load with the palms of your hands and your fingers. The palm grip is much more secure. Tuck in the chin again to make certain your back is straight before starting to lift.
- Use your body weight to start the load moving, then lift by pushing up with the legs. This makes full use of the strongest set of muscles.
- Lift smoothly. Raise, carry and lower the load smoothly. Never jerk a load.
- Keep the arms and elbows close to the body while lifting.
- Carry the load close to the body. Don't twist your body while carrying the load. To change direction, shift your foot position and turn your whole body.
- To lower the object, bend the knees. Don't stoop. To deposit the load on a bench or shelf, place it on the edge and push it into position. Make sure your hands and feet are clear when placing the load.
Make it a habit to follow the above steps when lifting anything-even a relatively light object.
Team lifting
If the weight, shape, or size of an object makes the job too much for one person, ask for help.
Team lifting must be coordinated. Ideally, workers should be of approximately the same size for team lifting. One individual needs to be responsible for control of the action to ensure proper coordination. If one worker lifts too soon, shifts the load, or lowers it improperly, either they or the person working with them may be injured.
Let's take a moment to review some of the "Do's" and "Don'ts" of safe lifting and carrying.
DO:
- Tuck in the chin to keep the back as straight as possible while lifting.
- Lift with the strong leg muscles.
- Ask for help with the heavy, awkward items.
- When possible, use equipment to move heavy items.
DON'T:
- Use your back muscles to do lifting.
- Lifting boxes above the chest.
- Try to lift an item that is too heavy or awkward.
- Twist your body while carrying an object.
- Attempt team lifting without proper coordination.
Work Station Design
Proper body positioning at each station is extremely important to maintain good physical health. To ensure each individual's work station is adjusted properly, please check off each item which is done correctly.
- Monitor screen is at eye level
- Elbows rest at the side
- Elbows are bent at a 90 degree angle resting on chair armrest
- Wrist are in a neutral (straight) position
- Wrist rest on a rounded tabletop edge/cushion
- Knees are level or slightly lower than hips
- Soft seat edge (under knees)
- Feet rest on floor or on a footrest
- Low and middle back support is provided
- Seat width 18"
- Seat depth 15" - 17"
- Chair height (enable knees to be bent at a 90 degree angle)
- Desk height (see diagram)
- Document holder attached to side monitor
