HOW TO SAFELY LIFT HEAVY OBJECTS

There are numerous causes why you should practice proper lifting procedures. It reduces the chance of both short and long-term back damages. While lifting heavy weights or carrying objects on the job, your form is essential for your overall healthiness.

Bad, inappropriate form while lifting can cause muscle strains, tears, serious back issues, joint pain, and much more. These damages can take weeks or even months to heal correctly. One of the major causes of lower back pain is sprains and strains on the low back.

Practising good lifting techniques pointers to more acceptable consequences prevents injury and allows your muscles to work harder to improve overall strength. We have gathered a list of tips and tricks to keep in mind the next time you are lifting a heavy thing, so read the article properly.

LIFTING PRINCIPLES

PREPARATION

Before lifting or moving. Think about:

• How heavy is the load? Should I use automatic means (e.g. a hand-truck) or another individual to assist me with this lift? Is it feasible to split the pack into smaller parts?
• Are there good handholds on the load? Do I need gloves or other unique protective gear? Can I place the load in a container with more suitable handholds?

LIFTING

Get as near to the load as feasible. Try to keep your elbows and arms tight to your body. Keep your back straight during the lift by compressing the stomach strengths, flexing at the knees, maintaining the load close and centred in front of you, and looking up and forward. Get a good grip, and do not twist your hand while lifting any object.

CARRYING

Do not twist or turn the body while lifting; instead, move your feet to turn. Your shoulders, toes, and knees should remain facing the same path. Keep the load as close to your body as feasible with your elbows close to your sides. If you feel exhausted, set the load down and rest for a few minutes. Do not let yourself get so exhausted that you cannot perform the task properly.

SETTING DOWN

Set the gear down in the same way you preferred it up, but in the reverse order. Bend at the knees, not the hips. Keep your head up, your stomach muscles tense, and do not bend or turn your body.

HOW TO SAFELY LIFT

THINK BEFORE YOU LIFT ANY OBJECT

Design the lift. Where is the gear going to be positioned? Will help be required with the load? Are there any tools you could use, such as a hoist, to assist you with the lift?

Remove obstacles, such as scrapped wrapping materials. For long lifts, such as from base to shoulder height, think resting the load midway on a table or bench to adjust your grip on it.

MAINTAIN THE RAW CURVE OF YOUR BACK WHEN YOU STAND

Keep the core muscles in your abdomen tight as you stand. Look straight ahead and keep your head back to maintain proper alignment in your neck and back.

Utilize the muscles in your legs, not your back, to lift the heavy item. Avoid distorting at the waist as you raise, as this can twist the muscles in your back. If you ought to turn, stroll to the side.

LIFT THE OBJECT IN THE SQUAT POSITION INSTEAD OF KNEELING

Do you have a problem kneeling or rising from a kneeling standing? Without kneeling, you can safely lift heavy objects by placing them on a table.

Start by applying your feet shoulder-width apart to give your body a wide asset base. You may find that putting one foot barely in front of the other to gain stability.

Stand as near as feasible to the entity, then turn at your knees, not at your waist, as required to pick up the heavy object.

DO NOT HOLD YOUR BREATH

Breathe as naturally as achievable when you lift a heavy object. Holding your breath during physical work can cause cramps or even push your blood pressure to rise to a dangerous level.

Breathing typically also provides oxygen ad power to your muscles. Put the object down and rest if you feel exhausted or out of breath.

Final Words

Avoid any injury while lifting any heavy object. Drink lots of water to sidestep dehydration in extreme heat. Equip proper lighting for low-light areas and attempt to perform work during daytime hours when feasible.

If you want to get proper certification in manual handling awareness, buy course today. Or create an account on OTM learning to get updates on new health and safety courses and certification.