Top eight tips for lifting safely
At Need A Space, our experience has told us, that in any scenario where you are moving assets and valuables between 2 points, you have to protect yourself. At our self-storage base in Kent, we offer many of the accessories to make that move as easy as possible. For instance, we have van use, for lift truck use, staff to help you in times of trouble and for advice.
But none of this gets rid of the fact that at the end of the day you are going to have to do some kind of lifting and, if it is not carried out in the appropriate manner, you could well be on the road to causing yourself an injury.
So, we want to make sure you are as safe as possible by giving you a full article of manual lifting tips! A more detailed listing can be found at NHS Choices
- Before you start bending, stretching muscles, heaving or anything like that, have a clear aim in mind. If you are going to move a heavy object from point A to point B, know where you are going to lift from, the distance and where and how you are going to place the object down. Will you be putting it on the ground? Will you be placing it on another object? Are you sure there is enough room? Can the object below definitely take the weight of the object you are lifting.
- Be honest with yourself. If you believe the weight is going to be too heavy to lift – do not attempt it. Ask for help.
- If you are going to be manually carrying the object a long distance, what will you do if you get too tired? Where can you place the object safely in order to restart your journey later.
- Before you begin lifting you need to adopt a stable position. This is with your feet apart and one foot slightly in front of the other to aid balance.
- Keep your back straight when lifting. When lowering yourself to pick up a heavy object, bend your legs at the knees.
- Hold the weight close to your body as this will help overall. Keep the weight close to the waist for as long as possible as this will stop too much strain n your back.
- Don’t twist while lifting. Keep the shoulders level and in the same direction as the hips. Looking ahead instead of down at the object will help you keep this stance.
- Try to move smoothly – sudden jerks may result in injury.
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