Safety Tips: Lifting and Carrying
Eight out of ten adults will have problems with their lower backs. You can increase your odds of being one of the twenty percent who escape these pains by following the following tips.
- Injuries usually occur because of two reasons. First, when back muscles are weak; second, because of poor techniques for lifting and carrying.
- Take a few minutes each day to strengthen and stretch your back muscles.
- Wear shoes that offer good support and good traction.
- Keep a wide stance and make sure of your footing.
- Keep the load close to your body.
- Lift steadily with your legs, not your back. Keep your head up and your back straight.
- Point your feet in the direction you plan to move. Don’t twist.
- Put down the load by squatting down, not bending over.
- If you are using a cart or dolly to move a heavy load, push it, don’t pull it.