BG Brisbane Employee Induction

Safe Lifting Techniques

CLICK THE LINK TO WATCH A SHORT VIDEO ON “SMART” LIFTING

VIDEO

STEP 1

Stand close to the load with your feet spread apart about shoulder width, with one foot slightly in front of the other for balance.

STEP 2

Squat down bending at the knees (not your waist). Tuck your chin while keeping your back as vertical as possible.

STEP 3

Get a firm grasp of the object before beginning the lift.

STEP 4

Begin slowly lifting with your LEGS by straightening them. Never twist your body during this step.

STEP 5

Once the lift is complete, keep the object as close to the body as possible. As the load’s centre of gravity moves away from the body, there is a dramatic increase in stress to the lumbar region of the back.

STEP 6

Keep lifts between shoulder and knuckle height.

Green Zone – Low Risk

Amber Zone – Medium Risk

Red Zone – High Risk (MUST BE AVOIDED )

If you must turn while carrying the load, turn using your feet-not your torso.

To place the object below the level of your waist, follow the same procedures in reverse order. Remember, keep your back as vertical as possible and bend at the knees.