Lifting objects is common when performing a task. Beyond ordinary files in boxes, there are many items that are moved around every day in the workplace, often without the use of lifting aids.
One of the most frequent workplace injuries is caused by lifting items without care, leading to issues such as pulled muscles and long-lasting damage to the back, upper limbs, and pelvic area. Due to the prevalence of lifting-related injuries, numerous companies that deal with moving objects provide training sessions on manual lifting for their employees, in addition to placing posters strategically around the work area and distributing leaflets as reminders.
Manual Lifting Guidelines:
Tap the item or the box if you are not familiar with its content or weight before attempting a lift.
You are better prepared to lift things when you are standing directly in front of an object, providing you with the best balance.
Keep your balance in the center of your body before attempting the lift. The feet must be at an equal distance from your center of gravity. Ignoring the center of gravity has resulted in sprains and injuries to the pelvic muscles.
Use the handles of the item when lifting.
Always know where to drop the item. Lifting items that are heavy are heavier when you lift them a second time.
Do not carry boxes that will obscure your line of vision. Always carry items below your lifting capacity. If the object restricts or obstructs your view, ask for a guide.
Before the actual lift, tighten your abdominal muscles as this gives you additional strength and stability.
Do not bend over as you start to lift. Instead, bend the knees and squat your legs. Bending over injures the upper limbs that are far weaker than the lower part of the body. Bending over will also never provide you the strength and the balance required to lift moderately heavy objects, and will most likely result in injury.
Firmly hold the item with both hands.
Once the object is lifted, check your balance once more by adjusting your stance before moving and keep the object as close to the body as possible. The weight should put a strain on the leg muscles as much as possible and not in other areas of the body.
Stand up slowly and avoid jerking motions. Jerking will affect the balance that you started with. Avoid quick movements while you are rising.
Start moving but do it at a comfortable slow pace. There is always the temptation to move fast when lifting even slightly heavier objects but that could upset the item and offset your balance.
Bend your legs as you put the object down. The same process by which you lift the object is the same process used as you ease it down. Keep your back straight and keep a firm hold of the object.
To prevent the fingers from getting trapped under the item, lower one side of the item first, when that is done, lower the other.
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