How to Lift and Carry Safely

Lifting and carrying are power jobs – when you lift and carry the wrong way, you can damage your back. Back injuries are the most common type of injury in the workplace, resulting in approximately 236,000 cases involving days away from work in 2007. Over half of these injuries are from lifting.
Back injuries may be difficult to treat and may have lengthy and expensive rehabilitation times.
When you are lifting at home or at work, make an effort to take care of your back. The National Safety Council recommends a number of tips to prevent unintentional injuries and keep your back strong and healthy.
Power warm-ups
You will work better if you start each day with slow stretches. These warm-ups let you ease comfortably into your workday and help you avoid injuries.
Leg and back warm-up 1. Prop one foot on a chair or a stool for support
2. Take a deep breath
3. Ease forward slowly – keep your back slightly curved
4. Blow slowly outward as you ease forward to a seven count
5. Repeat seven times
6. Switch and do the same with the other foot
Backbend 1. Stand with your feet about 12 inches apart
2. Support the small of your back with your hands
3. Hold your stomach in firmly and take a deep breath
4. Arch backward – bend your head and neck as you go, blowing air
slowly out for seven counts
5. Repeat seven times
Power lifting tips Protect your hands and feet by wearing safety gear
Size up the load – tip it on its side to see if you can carry it comfortably. Get help if the load is too big or bulky for one person. Check for nails, splinters, rough strapping and sharp edges.
Lift it right – make sure your footing is solid. Keep your back straight, with no curving or slouching. Center your body over your feet, get a good grip on the object and pull it close to you. Pull your stomach in firmly. Lift with your legs, not your back; if you need to turn, move your feet and do not twist your back.
Tough lifting jobs Oversized loads: do not try to carry a big load alone; ask for help. Work as a team by lifting, walking and lowering the load together. Let one person call the shots and direct the lift. Use proper mechanical devices for heavy loads.
For more information on reducing risk or any of our other services, please contact Jeff Harrison at jeff.harrison@cbservices.org or 800.807.0300 ext 2543