Proven Tips and Correct Lifting Techniques to Prevent Injuries From Lifting

FACT: One in seven people end up with a back injury – a goodly portion of who injure themselves needlessly. These painful injuries are often caused because some people think that correct lifting techniques and lifting procedure are just something that people working on constructions sites must remember. The basic fact is that to prevent injuries from lifting: you must learn the correct lifting techniques, and follow the correct lifting procedure.

As a major part of correct lifting techniques and lifting procedure, proponents of HSE (Health and Safety professionals who strive for workplace safety) state that whenever possible you should lift and move heavy objects using mechanical aids. However, this is not restricted to worksite chain hoists or wheeled trucks. In everyday life correct lifting techniques and lifting procedure can be something as simple as using a shopping cart rather than carrying a shopping basket, such a simple thing, but it can prevent you having injuries from lifting. However, whether at work or performing general daily chores such as putting a new water bottle on the cooler, there will be times when there are no mechanical aids available; in these situations you must perform manual lifts using the correct lifting techniques and following the correct lifting procedure. 

Correct Lifting Techniques

If you don’t want to give yourself injuries from lifting – and a back injury is no fun at all! – you must understand that there is more to lifting a heavy object than just reaching down and picking it up. To lift any heavy object you must know the correct lifting procedure - especially in regard to your having the correct body posture.

• Place your feet carefully - one foot beside the object to be lifted and the other foot directly under the outside of your body.

• Keep your back as straight as possible - like in the normal sitting position. Your back does not have to be vertical, but it must not be bent.

• Keep your chin tucked in to your throat as this helps to keep your back in the correct position. 

• Place your fingers and hands around the object being lifted. Use your whole hand, not just your fingers

• Pull the object close in to your body (with your arms and elbows tucked in). 

Correct Lifting Procedure

Prepare

Place yourself correctly, and bend down by bending your knees, never your back. Grip the object firmly and hold it close in to your body.

Lift

Push up with your legs; never try to use your back muscles to lift. Leg muscles lift by pushing upward. The arm and hand muscle grip and hold the object. Your back muscles help hold your body upright and in balance. 

Move

When moving with an object, hold it close in to your body. Walk carefully so that you keep your balance. 

Putting Down 

Use the same technique as for lifting: back straight, bend your knees, and use you leg muscles to lower the object.

Back injury is painful and can be a debilitating, long term problem, so prevent yourself from suffering injuries from lifting. Whether as part of workplace safety or in your daily life, make sure you always use the correct lifting techniques and the correct lifting procedure.  

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