Back Safety: Lifting

Protect your back while lifting

Step 1

• Face the object.

• With your back straight, get down on 1 knee.

• If you can, tilt the object so 1 side lifts off the ground.

• Keep the object close to you.

Step 2

• Tighten your stomach muscles.

• Lift with your legs, arms, and buttocks, not your back.

• Don't twist.

• Lift the object to your knee.

• Grasp the object firmly.

Step 3

• Lift with your arms and legs, not your back.

• Move quickly to help make this easier.

To carry an object:

• Hold it close to your body.

• Bend your knees slightly as you walk. The heavier the object, the more you should bend your knees.

• Get help with heavy or unbalanced objects.