AGRICULTURAL SAFETY TOPICS –
PREVENTING LIFTING & OVEREXERTION INJURIES
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130-011-40-IADO © 2019, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | www.wsps.ca
Proper lifting techniques
Move as close to the load as possible and position your feet about shoulder width apart to establish
a wide base of support.
Bend your knees. Avoid rounding your back. Keep the slight inward curve in your lower back.
Test the load's weight by lifting up one end. Ensure the load is free to move.
Grab the load firmly with your whole hand, not just the fingers. Keep the load balanced.
Use your legs to lift the load, not your back. Lift smoothly. Avoid sudden, jerky movements.
Keep the load close to your body, with your elbows slightly bent and your upper arms straight.
Face in the direction of the lift. Move your feet to turn. Avoid twisting your body.
Make it a habit to follow the above steps to reduce your risk of having an injury.
Team lifting must be co-ordinated
If the weight, shape, or size of an object makes the job too much for one person, ask for help.
Ideally, workers should be of approximately the same size for team lifting. One individual needs to be
responsible for control of the action to ensure proper co-ordination. If one worker lifts too soon, shifts
the load, or lowers it improperly, either they or the person working with them may be injured.
Review The Following Points:
Think and plan before lifting.
Bend your knees, not your back.
Keep the slight inward curve in your lower back
Keep the load close to the body.
Don't twist. Move your feet to turn.
Based upon: Ohio State University Extension. Lifting. Retrieved from website http://ohioline.osu.edu/atts/modules.html
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