Ergonomics & Injury Prevention: Safe Lifting Techniques That Prevent Injuries in the Workplace
Manual lifting is one of the most frequent tasks in many facilities. Lifting is part of the daily routine, from moving boxes to shifting equipment. But when done incorrectly, it can quickly lead to serious injuries, especially strains and sprains to the lower back, shoulders, and knees. These injuries sideline team members and can reduce overall productivity and morale.
One of the top priorities of a solid Safety Culture is reducing the risk of injury. That starts with ensuring lifting is done with the proper technique, mindset, and awareness. Every lift deserves attention, whether the item is heavy, light, large, or small.
Here are a few tips to assist you with safe lifting:
1. Assess the load before lifting.
Take a moment to inspect the object. Is it heavy, awkward, or unstable? Test the weight by nudging it with your foot or lifting a corner. If it feels too much to handle safely, don’t hesitate to ask for help or use equipment like carts or dollies.
2. Get into the proper stance.
Stand close to the object with your feet shoulder-width apart. This stance gives you a strong support base and keeps your body balanced during the lift.
3. Lift with your legs, not your back.
Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and focus on using your leg muscles to do the work. Avoid bending at the waist, which puts pressure on the spine and can lead to injury over time.
4. Hold the item close to your body.
Keep the load at waist level and as close to your center of gravity as possible. This will reduce strain on your back and help you maintain better control.
5. Avoid twisting during the lift.
Keep your body straight and pivot with your feet instead of twisting your upper body. Twisting while carrying a load increases the chance of pulling a muscle or damaging a joint.
Practicing these safe lifting techniques daily helps create a safer environment for everyone. Regular refreshers, clear signage, and peer support go a long way in reinforcing these habits. When lifting becomes second nature, injury risks drop—a win for safety and productivity.
Stay mindful, stay alert, and don’t rush—every lift matters. Protecting your body helps keep you strong and ready for the work ahead.
Thank you for being part of another episode of Warehouse Safety Tips.
Until we meet next time – have a great week, and STAY SAFE!
#Safety #SafetyFIRST #SafetyALWAYS #StaySafe #SafetyCulture #WarehouseSafety #SafeOperations #WorkplaceSafety #Ergonomics #InjuryPrevention #MSDPrevention #SafeLifting
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