Section 3: Safety Practices

Glossary

Lesson 7: Lifting



Many workplaces require a person to lift and/or carry objects. This certainly is true of any worksite that involves the production of plants, be it in a garden, at a greenhouse, or on a farm.
The lifting of equipment or tools, or the carrying of containers of produce or sacks of fertilizer, is a common requirement.
Of particular concern is the lifting of heavy objects, which can include

  • loading and carrying

  • bending and shoveling

  • pushing and pulling

It can take its toll on your body: bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. All that lifting, bending, and straining can lead to backaches, shoulder pain, problems with arms or legs, even disabling physical conditions.
The reality is that sprains and strains are more likely to happen if the body is used incorrectly.
To use your body correctly, you must learn to lift without using your back.

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Proper Lifting Video

Watch the following video to learn the proper lifting techniques.
 




Steps of Proper Lifting


  1.  Clear the area.
 Clear the immediate area before attempting to lift load.
  1.  Prepare for the lift.
 Take a balanced stance with your feet about a shoulder width apart. Know what you are going to do with the load after you have lifted it.
  1.  Get ready.
 Move as close to the object as possible, squat down to lift the object, and keep your heels off the floor.
  1.  Lifting the load.
 Lift gradually. Do not jerk. Use your leg, abdominal, and buttock muscles.  Keep your back straight by tucking in your chin.
  1.  Moving the load.
 Do not twist if you need to change directions. Point your feet in the direction that you want to go and turn your body.
  1.  Set down the load.
 When you place the load on the floor or wherever, use your legs, abdominal, and buttock muscles and keep your back straight by tucking in your chin as you bend your knees to lower the object.

 Your Turn

Step away from the computer and, on your own, practise the six steps of lifting.

  • Refer to the chart to see how many steps you remember.

  Digging Deeper


Interactive   

Click here to explore an interactive and learn the important steps of proper lifting.