Lifting Safely

Bend Your Knees to Lift With Ease

Get close to the load

Before lifting something heavy, position yourself close to the object. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, head up, with your feet and body pointing in the same direction.

Knees bent, back straight

Check the weight of what you’re lifting. Use your leg and arm muscles to smoothly and slowly lift the load.

Make sure you’re in sync

Keep the load close to your body. Pivot with your feet — don’t twist your body while carrying the load.

Easy does it

Bend your knees and slowly lower the load to its intended place.

Don’t forget

Do not lift heavy objects above your waist and avoid heavy lifting immediately after prolonged bending or kneeling.

Many hands make light work

Get some help with the heavy and awkward loads. Stand on something solid and slowly lift the load, keeping it close to your body, and pass the load to your helper.

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