Heavy Lifting Safety

Heavy lifting safety is an essential, yet often overlooked, aspect of workplace safety training. It is important to recognize the proper technique for lifting heavy objects to avoid injury. Always assess the object and surrounding area before proceeding with lifting, and never attempt to lift an object that is poorly packaged or overly heavy.

Significance

• It is not only professional weight lifters who have to worry about injuring themselves while on the job. Heavy lifting training is an important, yet underestimated, part of keeping safe in the workplace. According to the United States Department of Labor, strains, most often involving the back, account for "43 percent of the 1.3 million injuries and illnesses in private industry that required recuperation away from work beyond the day of the incident." It is for this reason that heavy lifting safety should be an emphasized aspect of the workplace.

Considerations

• Before attempting to lift anything, it is good idea to take a closer look at the item. Ask yourself a few of the following questions: Is there a label attached that says "Heavy" or "Oversized"? Does the item move easily if pushed or nudged? Does the item have sturdy handles or places to grip? After visually surveying the item, it is often easier to determine whether or not it is safe to lift the object.

Warning

• Don't be afraid to ask for help. If the object you are required to move seems unmanageable, alerting the workplace supervisor is usually the best way to receive assistance. It may be the case that there is equipment available to help move the heavy items, such as a dolly, a cart or even a forklift for larger items. Never attempt to move any object that seems too heavy to manage alone.

Preparation

• According to FamilyDoctor.org, there are some easy and practical tips to prevent back and other injuries while lifting heavy objects. First, warm up your muscles by stretching your legs, arms and back, which will help to prevent injuries caused by jerky or shaky bodily movements. Next, visually identify the start and end positions of where the item is being lifted. It is a good idea to clear any objects in the motion path that might be hazardous when transporting the heavy object (e.g., wires that might be a tripping hazard).

Technique

• To lift the heavy object, take a deep breath and relax your muscles. Approach the object, and in a slow, controlled movement, bend your knees (keeping your back straight) until situated in a squatting position. Grip the object securely with both hands, and when ready, push upward and extend your knees until reaching a standing position, with the object at chest level. Walk slowly to the end destination and put down the heavy object using the same slow, controlled movements, all the while keeping your back relatively straight and bending your knees. Take breaks between lifting each object if necessary. This lifting technique is considered by FamilyDoctor.org to be the most effective way to pick up heavy objects without causing back injuries.