Lifting Safety
Some Important Facts on Lifting Safety
A large percentage of on-the-job injuries involve the back. Everyone needs to make lifting safety a priority, on the job and at home.
Before you lift a load, test it by pushing it lightly to see how easy or difficult it is to move. This will give you a good idea of how heavy the load is. Small boxes don't always mean light loads.
Check before you lift, to make sure that the weight of the object to be lifted is evenly balanced and packed, so it won't move around. Make sure that pieces in the box don't move around, or they can cause the load to become unbalanced.
Check whether it is easy or difficult to get a grip on the load to be lifted. Be sure you have a secure grip on an object before you try to lift it. You can attach handles on the object or box, if that helps you to lift safely.
How easy or difficult is it to reach the load? If you lift something over your head, use a ladder. Always make sure to get as close as you can to the load. Slide the load towards you before lifting, if space permits, so you don't have to reach out for it. Don't arch your back before or during a lift. And you've heard this before – lift with your legs, not with your back.
Determine the best way to lift an object before you start lifting. Then use slow and even movements to lift. Jerky movements can put undue strain on your back. Make sure you keep your body facing the object you're lifting, and keep the object close to your body. Keep lifting safety in mind.
There are times when lifting with your legs won't work. If you're too far away, or the object is too long that you can't straddle it, you won't be able to use your legs properly. When you do lift with your legs, bend at your knees, not with your back, and then pick up the load. Make sure to keep your back just as straight as you can manage.
Try to keep the load balanced as you move the object from one place to another. This will put less strain on your back muscles.
To avoid injuries to your back, warm up before you lift. Stretch your legs and your back. Don't feel that you must continue lifting repetitively even if you have a lot to do – take many small breaks if you are doing a lot of lifting.
Don't be macho and try to lift more than you should. Don't lift anything that makes you strain to carry it. Get help. And then make sure that you have plenty of room to lift the object in a safe manner. Lifting safety involves looking around before you lift and as you carry. Be sure that your view of where you're going is not obstructed – you might trip. Know where you're headed with the load, and make sure there is enough room for it there.
Don't walk on slick or uneven surfaces when you are carrying anything. And although back belts can assist you somewhat, they can't prevent back injury by themselves if you don't use proper mechanics.
Don't be afraid to get help before you try to lift a heavy load. Use a dolly or a forklift if you can. Make lifting safety a priority, for the sake of your back.