SAFETY TIPS FOR LIFTING AND HANDLING ITEMS

Low back pain is among the most common and most costly type of worker injury. Some of the primary risk factors for low back pain include:

• Excessive exertion or force
• Bending the trunk
• Twisting the trunk
• Reaching out

The first course of action should always be to minimize the need to lift or carry objects manually.


Next, size up the load. Use a hand truck if possible. Get help if you need it. Check for slivers, nails, exposed staples. Use gloves if necessary. Make sure you have a clear path to where you are moving it to.

• Choose the position that feels best and maintain a natural back curvature.
• Do not place objects on the floor if they must be picked up later.
• Turn your feet instead of your hips or shoulders.
• Never twist and bend at the same time.
• Keep objects close to the body.  Don't reach out to pick up an object.
• If the load is too heavy or bulky, don't lift it. Get help or use a mechanical aid.
• Lift smoothly and slowly.  Avoid jerking to lift or pull the load.
• Minimize the distance the load has to be moved.
• Push or slide the load rather than lift or lower it.