From moving furniture at home to picking up boxes at work, lifting correctly is key to preventing injury.
Here are a few tips for lifting safely and reducing the risk of back injury:
1. Stand close to the load to be lifted.
2. Place your feet shoulder-width apart.
3. Bend your knees and keep your back straight.
4. Squat down to the level of the object and test the weight of the load.
5. Ask for help if the load is too heavy or awkward.
6. Use your leg and arm muscles, not your back, to smoothly and slowly lift the load. Try not to jerk when lifting.
7. Keep the load close to your body.
8. Pivot to turn in the direction you wish to move.
9. Avoid twisting your body while turning and carrying the load.
10. Bend your knees and slowly lower the load to its new location.
