![Steps Steps](/uploads/1/2/5/6/125616309/664259276.jpg)
The council may also provide free equipment – such as hoists, stand aids, transfer boards or slide sheets – to make moving someone safer and easier. Buying equipment to lift or move someone If you decide to buy any equipment, get advice beforehand from an occupational therapist or a social worker.
Safe Lifting Techniques—It’s Not Just Lift with Your LegsFor years, the rule of thumb has been “lift with your legs” and not your back. But despite training workers on this approach, the number of back injuries didn’t decrease. According to information from Alberta, researchers began to question this method of lifting, noting that most people use a semi-squatting posture, with both the back and knees slightly bent. So they now advocate a so-called “freestyle technique” that protects workers as long as they follow these basic principles:Keep the natural curve in the lower back. When standing straight, the lower back naturally curves to create a slight hollow. Always try to maintain this curve when lifting, lowering or moving objects. The spine and back are their most stable in this position.Contract the abdominal muscles.
By contracting the abdominal muscles when lifting, lowering or moving materials, you improve the spine’s stability. Sometimes described as “bracing,” tightening the abs even slightly reduces the likelihood of injury.Avoid twisting. Twisting the back can make it less stable, increasing the likelihood of injury. Bracing helps reduce any tendency to twist.Hold materials close.
Keep the materials as close to the belly button and body as possible. Doing so reduces the strain on muscles in the back and trunk.
If necessary, protective clothing such as leather aprons should be used so that sharp, dirty, hot or cold objects can be held as close to the body as possible.For a video on preventing back injuries and safety talks on safe lifting, go to Safety Smart.For a, go to. Not a subscriber? Sign up for a. And go to to buy a system on, which includes safety posters, a safety meeting outline, table tents, safety cards for workers and quizzes.Use code OHSISAFELIFT15 for a 15% discount!Many workers must move or otherwise handle various materials as part of their every day duties. But while lifting, carrying or moving materials, workers are at risk of getting hurt—especially when they do so by hand.
For example, lifting heavy objects manually can cause musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs), such as back strains and shoulder sprains. As a result, the OHS regulations have requirements to protect workers from such injuries.