Safe Work Methods Training

Proper Lift/Lower and Push/Pull - continued

At SST we have developed an approach to proper lifting techniques that consists of 8 basic steps.

1. Get Close. Most of us understand that the closer we get to an object we are going to lift or push, the less stress it puts on our bodies. When we bend at the waist to pick up an object off the floor the stress on our backs can be magnified by as much as 5 times. By getting close to the object and bending our knees we protect our back by reducing the stress placed on it.

2. Position Feet. When lifting/lowering or pushing/pulling it is important to maintain balance. Injuries can occur as a result of sudden movements like when we lose our balance and try to catch ourselves before we fall. Damage from such sudden movements can be magnified substantially when we are moving a heavy weight.

The best way to position our feet when attempting a lift is to space them about shoulder width apart and have one foot slightly back from the other. This gives us a good platform both front to back and side to side upon which we can maintain our balance.