OH&S - Lifting

Lifting incorrectly can leave you with permanent and debilitating injuries. Following the guidelines below can help in preventing injuries.

• Always bend your knees when lifiting items from below the waist
• Make sure you take regular rest breaks when performing repetitive lifting tasks (5mins every 1/2 hr)
• Never walk with items stacked so high that your vision is obstructed.
• Do not stack items in such a manner that they are unstable.
• Check walkways before moving items. They should be open and not restricted by stacked boxes, etc
• The work area should be arranged so that lifitng tasks can be either eliminated or done at waist level, without too much bending, reaching or twisting.
• Use mechanical aids (hand trolleys, forklifts, etc.) to move heavy objects. Items above 20kg
• Avoid reaching for objects above shoulder level (use step ladder), forward bending of the back, twisting of the back and side ways bending of the back.

Further Information