Safe lifting ensures no one is harmed during the manual lifting of objects. It ensures we conduct our lifting in a manner devoid of unsafe practices. Lifting has become an integral part of our lives; some people lift every day because of their job though some rarely do. No matter the divide you are in, safe lifting is good for everyone.
Safe lifting: what can we do to ensure safe lifting today?
- Ensure you wear your personal protective equipment such as your safety boot, or hand glove. It’ll help to reduce any impact on the legs or the hand.
- Determine the route of your carry. Know the route that you are going to take the load and remove any obstructions.
- Assess the load and seek assistance from fellow workers or call for mechanical aid such as a hand truck or a forklift, if you can’t carry the load easily.
- Consider doing a trial lifting of the load yourself during your assessment.
During the lift.
- Position the load close to yourself. It will help reduce the horizontal position of the load, enabling you to lift properly.
- Gently squat, bend your knees and ensure your back is straight. Not having your back straight will increase the effect of pain in your back.
- Get a good grip on the load and ensure you keep the load close to your body. And lift the load with your leg muscle
- Avoid twisting your leg when moving.
- While you are walking, continue to take a small step, do not run to avoid falling with the load
Dropping the load.
- Gently repeat the steps when lifting the load.
- Lower your back, very slowly, and allow to drop the load with your knee muscle and do not bend your back.
- Place the load on your desired position or surface.
Read more on:
Toolbox talk on electrical safety
How to prevent your friends from drunk driving
7 benefits of good housekeeping in the workplace
7 Basic home safety tips every parent should apply in their homes
9 Ways to Prevent Workplace Violence
Onyeka Emma is a QHSE Professional with more than 10 years of experience in occupational health and safety, which spans many industries such as construction, beverage, oil and gas, etc. He has many health and safety certifications, including NEBOSH IGC, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 Lead auditor certificate. A member of IOSH, ISPON, and Nigeria Red Cross Society. He is interested in business, entrepreneurship, Speaking, and motivating people to do better for themselves. He enjoys leisure with a good motivational book.
