Manual Lifting and Materials Handling

Accessible by: anyone

Hazard: Back and other injuries may occur from improper lifting, bad material handling practices, and overexertion.

Provide general ergonomics training and task-specific training.
Get a co-worker to help if a product or other item is too heavy to lift.
If possible, use powered equipment instead of manually lifting heavy materials.
Reduce lifts from shoulder height and from floor height by repositioning the shelf or bin.
Use your legs and keep your back in a natural position while lifting.
Test the load to be lifted to estimate its weight, size, and bulk and to determine the proper lifting method.
Do not twist while carrying a load. Instead, shift your feet and take small steps in the direction you want to turn.
Make sure there are appropriately marked and sufficiently safe clearances for aisles and at loading docks or passageways where mechanical-handling equipment is used.
Properly stack loose or unboxed materials which might fall from a pile by blocking, interlocking, or limiting the height of the pile to prevent falling hazards.
Bags, containers, bundles, etc. should be stored in tiers that are stacked, blocked, interlocked, and limited in height so that they are stable and secure to prevent sliding or collapse.
Storage areas should be kept free from accumulation of materials that could lead to tripping, fire, explosion, or pest infestations.