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Safe lifting, by the numbers

Lab Safety Advisor, April 24, 2007

The Maine Department of Labor offers the following information:

Back injuries are due to:

  • Lifting objects that are too heavy or awkward to hold
  • Lifting, bending or twisting over and over again
  • Working for long periods in the bent position
  • Tripping or falling

The proper lifting technique is to:

  1. Face the object, placing one foot behind the object and the other foot beside it.
  2. Bend your knees but keep your back straight. Grip the object firmly with both hands.
  3. Bring the object close to your body. Keep your chin, elbows and arms tucked in tight.
  4. Keep your body weight directly over your feet.
  5. Lift with your legs not your back.
  6. Do the same in reverse when you set the object down.

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