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Use both hands whenever possible. Avoid jerking by using smooth, even motions. Keep the load as close to the body as possible. To the extent feasible use your legs to push up and lift the load, not the upper body or back.

Do not attempt to lift by bending forward. Bend your hips and knees to squat down to your load, keep it close to your body, and straighten your legs to lift. Never lift a heavy object above shoulder level. Avoid turning or twisting your body while lifting or holding a heavy object.

Lifting and Handling Guidelines Stand close with your feet shoulder width apart and face the object. Bend your knees, keep your back straight and look forward. Lift with your legs. Keep items close to your body and at waist height.

Keep the vertical distance of lifts between mid-thigh and shoulder height. Do not start a lift below mid-thigh height nor end the lift above shoulder height. Lifting from below waist height puts stress on legs, knees, and back. Lifting above shoulder height puts stress on the upper back, shoulders, and arms.

The 5 P's or 5 Manual Handling Principles to avoid injury that we refer to are summarised as follows; Plan – plan your lift adequately. Position – centre the body & feet correctly. Pick – lift item using good posture. Proceed – move toward desired location. Place – set object down safely.

Safe Lifting Techniques Think through the situation before you begin lifting. Try to not lift higher than your waist. Don't hold items away from your body, keep them close to you. Make sure you have a steady hand on the object. Try to keep your back straight. The heavy side should be closest to your body.

Keep the load close to your waist for as long as possible while lifting. Keep the heaviest side of the load next to your body. If you can't get close to the load, try to slide it towards your body before you try to lift it. Adopt a stable position.

Keep good posture. This helps keep your upper back straight while having a slight arch in your lower back. Slowly lift by straightening your hips and knees (not your back). Keep your back straight, and don't twist as you lift. Hold the load as close to your body as possible, at the level of your belly button.