9. PHYSICAL LOAD
9.8 Manual lifting and handling
Physical work activities should be planned in advance. Often, a few seconds of focusing
your attention on the task before lifting the load is enough. Active use of the legs
while lifting and handling is a key factor in ergonomic load and back strain prevention.
Even if the load is light, always bend your knees when lifting. Similarly, when handling
small loads shift your weight from one leg to another. These moves evoke the deep
abdominal and back muscles that support the lower back.
Stand close to the load and take a firm grip position.
Bend your knees and hips at right angles.
Gently pull your abdomen in to support your back
during the entire task.
Maintain the natural curve in your back.
Keep feet and knees pointing in the same direction
to prevent knee dislocation.
Use your gluteal and thigh muscles to lift the load.
In manual handling lifting, lowering, replacing,
pushing, pulling are equally important. Focus on
what you do during the entire operation.
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