You stand a far better chance of remaining fit and pain-free if you stick with the basics when lifting and handling materials.
- Think of your toes… always try and wear shoes with a steel cover.
- Think of your hands… wear gloves when you handle anything rough, sharp, or splintery.
- Before you lift something, be sure you’ve got a secure grip and a solid footing.
- Keep the load close to your body to minimize strain. Lift smoothly… don’t jerk as you lift.
- Don’t twist your body when carrying a load; pivot with your feet instead of your spine.
- When a load is too heavy or awkward to handle alone, be quick to ask for help.
- Plan your path of execution and make sure it is free of debris and obstacles.
- Push rather than pull.
- Use equipment (dollies, carts, two-wheelers, hoist, & lifts) to move loads whenever possible.
- Make sure work levels are at waist height when standing and elbow height when sitting whenever possible.
- If you have to work in one position for a long period of time, take stretching breaks.
