[vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class=”container”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]You probably know the drill with lifting by now – bend your knees, etc. etc. but do you actually practice this regularly? Sometimes when we\u2019re busy or thinking about other things, we can forget to cover the basics and that\u2019s when things can go wrong. So let\u2019s take it back to the beginning, this is manual handling 101.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before you start<\/b><\/p>\n

Before you just go and grab whatever it is you need to pick up, <\/span>take a minute to plan.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

Do you know where you\u2019re taking it? Is the path you\u2019re going to take<\/span> clear of any obstacles<\/b> or hazards?<\/span><\/p>\n

Check how heavy the item is as things can often weigh more than they look. Then <\/span>decide if you\u2019ll need help<\/b>, whether that\u2019s from a mate or a trolley.<\/span><\/p>\n

Note that you should be using mechanical aids instead of just your body whenever you can to avoid any injuries, so <\/span>consider using a trolley or wheelbarrow<\/b> straight off the bat.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s also a good idea to <\/span>warm up<\/b> a bit with a few stretches before lifting, especially if it\u2019s first thing in the morning and your muscles aren\u2019t ready to go just yet.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lifting<\/b><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve decided you can lift the item by yourself, make sure you <\/span>start with a stable base<\/b> – that is, your feet flat on the ground and slightly apart to give you a good foundation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You know how it goes, no back-bending here, use your thigh muscles to <\/span>bend at the knees <\/b>to pick up the load. Also remember that the closer the item is to your body, the less strain you\u2019re putting on your back, so be sure to <\/span>hug the load<\/b> as much as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you need to turn at any point, make sure you <\/span>move your feet to turn<\/b> – any twisting or leaning is going to put heavy strain on your spine.<\/span><\/p>\n

Make sure you\u2019re <\/span>looking ahead <\/b>when you\u2019re moving and not at the ground – not only will this keep your back and spine in a good position, it\u2019ll also allow you to see if any obstacles get in the way, like your mate wandering into your path.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0Avoiding risks<\/b><\/p>\n

You can avoid risks by using the right lifting and moving techniques, but you can also avoid risks beforehand by taking some precautions on site.<\/span><\/p>\n

Storing loads at a good height will reduce bending and twisting of your body to get to them. <\/span>Keep loads at waist height<\/b>, and work on benches that are a good height for you to avoid bending over.<\/span><\/p>\n

You should always <\/span>keep site surfaces clear<\/b> and clean – not just to avoid lifting accidents, but to avoid any other general accidents like slipping or tripping.<\/span><\/p>\n

Correct clothing and PPE <\/b>should always be worn when carrying heavy loads, particularly gloves and safety boots – no one wants a sliced finger or crushed toes\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

Now that we\u2019ve refreshed you on the basics, get out there and lift safely, guys!<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”related-post”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Related articles” font_container=”tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%2313143e” use_theme_fonts=”yes” el_class=”title my-5″][vc_basic_grid post_type=”post” max_items=”4″ element_width=”3″ orderby=”rand” item=”918″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1595279713334-221721f4-6dc8-1″ el_class=”related-posts mx-auto mt-3″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class=”container”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]You probably know the drill with lifting by now – bend your knees, etc. etc. but do you actually practice this regularly? Sometimes when we\u2019re busy or thinking about other things, we can forget to cover the basics and that\u2019s when things can go wrong. So let\u2019s take it back to the beginning, this […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3672,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3669","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-workplace"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n