All places of employment where lifting of objects is required
must display a poster which illustrates proper lifting techniques
as part of OSHA or the Occupational Safety and Health
Act.
Practice the following steps:
- Bend the knees keeping the back straight.
- Test the load. Is it too heavy? It may require equipment,
a team lift, or you may wish to slide the object if it's too
heavy to lift.
- Always push and never pull a heavy object. Pushing is Much
easier on the low back.
- Pick up the object and get it in close to your body.
- Lift with your legs, keeping your back straight.
- Never twist and bend to set a load down. Address every object
at a 90 degree angle whether you're lifting or setting the object
down. Always remember, "as the nose goes the toes goes".
It does not require a heavy load to compromise your back if
you turn or turn and bend to reach for something. Even a paperclip
or a tissue should be faced and the knees should be bent with
the back straight in order to pick it up.
- In this event rest a hand on any nearby stable object such
as a table or a chair to assist you as you bend down and arise
from picking up the object.
- Be careful not to plant your feet in one spot and then repeatedly
turn at the waist to accomplish a task. Examples would be loading
and unloading the dishwasher, loading the wash from the washing
machine to the dryer, and grocery shopping where you push the
cart down the aisle and with your feet facing forward, lean
to the right, bend down, and stretch out to pick up a can.
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