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The risk of injury can be greatly reduced by the application of correct lifting and handling techniques.
The most common injuries are strain and sprains to muscles and joints, torn ligaments, disc trouble and hernias.
These are often caused by sudden or awkward movements such as twisting or jerking while handling heavy loads, and by persons attempting to lift more than they can manage.
The muscles of the abdominal wall are particularly vulnerable, and excessive strain may lead to ruptures.
In most cases, gloves should be worn to protect against cuts and abrasions.
Safety boots with steel toe caps must always be worn.
Size up the load and if necessary make a trial lift.
Do not attempt to lift alone any load that is too heavy, too large, or awkward.
See that there are no obstructions in the direction you will be going.
Take up position, feet hip breadth apart, one foot slightly advanced, pointing in the direction it is intended to move.
Bend the knees; back muscles should be relaxed.
Get a secure grip of the load and pull it into your body.
Lift, keeping the back straight, arms close to the body, with the leg muscles taking the strain.
Step off in the direction the advanced foot is pointing, load held close to the body.
Look out for underfoot conditions.
Do not carry a load which obscures the vision.
When lifting to a height from the floor, do it in two stages.
