Photomedia

Lifting and moving objects

Friday, 25 November, 2005

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Hazards

• Falling objects
• Lifting heavy loads
• Lifting awkward loads
• Slip, trip hazards
• Lifting from above shoulder level
• Repetitive lifting
• Bending and/or twisting while lifting

Precautions to take when lifting and moving objects

• 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.

For full procedure refer to SWP below