Appropriate Lifting Methods
Avoid bending at the waist!
Maintain a proper stance with your feet flat, firmly planted on the ground and spread apart an appropriate distance to aid in balancing the load. While keeping your back straight, bend at the knees are the most stable position obtainable while lifting any object, in particular when attempting to move heavier items. If moving and turning laterally is necessary, turn with your feet and avoid twisting the trunk of the body.
Leaning forward slightly is acceptable provided that the knees remain behind your toes, and your back remains in a relative straight line. Maintain a relative close distance between the item being lifted and the body.
Lifting slowly is vital and multiplies as the weight increases. When lifting heavy objects, if you cannot lift it slowly it is too heavy. While using your legs to lift is the proper method, you can injure your knees and other joints when attempting too heavy an object.
Carrying Objects
There are times when lifting and moving heavy items is required. During these times it is best practice to use two hands to aid in dispersing the load equally. It is also important to keep the item close to the body.
While items such as backpacks and bags are seemingly light and easily moved, maintaining the weight over a great distance is not recommended. Remember to use both straps with backpacks to avoid placing unnecessary strain on the back. Even small items, such as a purse, can lead to back problems, switching off to the opposite side is helpful in reducing the risk.
Moving heavy objects such as appliances by hand can lead to severe back pain. When needed, rent or borrow a dolly to move these large items. While moving these items with a dolly, pushing is the preferred method as the leg muscles are used rather than the back muscle
