General rules for lifting and moving objects

Always follow these rules, even for lifting light objects:

• Place your feet apart for good balance.
• Bend your knees.
• Hold the object as close to your body as possible.
• Lift smoothly and slowly.
• Pivot with your feet; don’t twist your back.
• Push, rather than pull the load.
• Share the load; work with a partner.
• Get mechanical assistance for heavy loads.

Many of the objects you may have to lift and move can be heavy and awkward, including beams, planks, plywood and panel products, ladders, and wheelbarrows. The following safe lifting procedures are recommended for most tasks.

Feet
Your feet should be spaced apart, one slightly ahead of you and the other slightly behind, in a normal standing position.

Back
Your back should be straight, not bent. If your back is arched or twisted, you may injure yourself.

Chin
Keep your chin in toward your chest. This will help to keep your back straight.

Palm
Use a palm grip. Your fingers should be close together so that both the palm and fingers do the lifting. Your palm is more than twice as strong as your fingers.

Body weight
Maintain your balance and distribute your weight evenly over both feet.

Arms
Tuck your arms into your sides. This will allow you to carry more weight with less chance of injuring yourself than if you held the item away from your body.