Lifting at work is a major cause of lower back strain. Avoid it by maintaining a neutral spine position with natural spinal curvature when lifting. Bend at the knees and keep your chest up and shoulders back. Keep you feet shoulder width apart, with the weight on your heels. Before applying force, be sure to check the weight first.

When lifting, move the item as close to your body as possible. Keep your elbows in at your sides throughout the lift. Store materials so that will have to be lifted at ‘power zone’ height, that is between mid thigh and mid chest. Keep the necessity to bend and reach low by putting heavy objects on shelves, tables or racks. This may require positioning some objects on pallets in order to get them into the power zone.

Do not twist your body when lifting. If you need to turn, do so with your feet first. Make use of ladders and aerial lifts to raise employees up to the work area. This will minimize the need to lift. Large loads should be broken down into smaller units to make them easier to carry. Loose items should be carried in buckets that have carry handles.