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Avoid lifting injuries

Fix wrong behaviors and train employees on proper body mechanics when bending and lifting

The risk of lifting injuries

Lifting is part of everyday life and part of everyone’s job to some degree. Back injuries are common at work and can be very debilitating. But they can be easily prevented by following some best practices in body mechanics, material handling, load planning, workspace organization and worker rotation. Use our safe lifting resources to create awareness about safe lifting techniques.

Educate your supervisors

Advice is followed most when it comes from the top. Supervisors play a huge role in demonstrating, training and setting expectations for employees on proper lifting techniques. They are also key in watching for potential risks and working to reduce them. Use these supervisor tools to get your supervisors up to speed:

Help employees plan their lifts

Tell your employees to avoid lifting when possible. If they have to lift, explain the proper way to lift using our four-step approach:

  • Lift from a position of power; eyes and chin up, face forward, eyes parallel to floor
  • Keep the load close, the closer to your body the better
  • Use a staggered stance with one foot in front of the other for a more stable lift
  • Nose follows toes; use your feet to change direction and avoid twisting

Download or print handout  

Create awareness of lifting hazards

Use our posters to generate employee awareness. Switch them out regularly to keep them fresh. We offer materials for four different jobs / industries where back injuries are common:

Train your employees

We offer resources on safety training topics specific to safe lifting. There are two types of training talks: Supervisor Initiated Training (SITs) and 5-Minute Solutions.
The styles are slightly different, but they’re used in the same way.

View all lifting resources

Recommended safety products and vendors

Sometimes preventing injuries can be as simple as using a safety product or enlisting the help of a reliable vendor to teach you best practices.

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