LIFTING LOADS SAFELY

Last year, approximately one out of every 25 UCLA Medical Center employees reported a back injury. Most resulted from using poor technique or bad posture when lifting or moving heavy items.

Your body is not designed to lift heavy weights. The way you carry a heavy object can subject your back to pressures two to ten times the object’s actual weight. The pressure is increased more as you hold the load away from the body.

Safe lifting is a function of both the amount of weight being lifted and the lifting technique used. Always test the weight of unfamiliar loads before lifting. If a load is too heavy or awkward, have a co-worker help, or use equipment such as a cart or dolly. Here are some hints to help you lift safely:

• Know where you are going before you lift a load. Pre-plan your lift.
• Keep your legs shoulder width apart for good balance.
• Take a deep breath and tighten your stomach muscles. Conditioned stomach muscles can serve the same purpose as back belts to protect your back when lifting.
• Bend at your knees and hips, not your waist. Try to keep the natural curves in your back when bending and lifting.
• Lift using your leg muscles to reduce the load on your back.
• Lift smoothly; don’t jerk as you lift. Sudden movement and weight shifts can injure your back.
• Keep your back in alignment, with your ears, shoulders and hips lined up. our nose and your toes should be facing the load when lifting.
• Hold the load close to your body at waist height to reduce the force on your back.
• Turn with your feet, not your back to avoid twisting when lifting.

A stretching and strengthening program can help you reduce your risk of back injury. If you would like more information on this subject, contact the Ergonomics Programs at extension 45590.

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