Back Safety: Lifting
Lifting can strain or even injure your back. Follow these tips to keep your back safe while you bend, lift, and carry.
Protect your back while lifting
Step 1
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Face the object.
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With your back straight, get down on one knee.
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If you can, tilt the object so one side lifts off the ground.
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Keep the object close to you.
Step 2
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Tighten your stomach muscles.
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Use your legs, arms, and buttocks to lift, not your back.
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Don't twist.
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Lift the object to your knee.
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Grasp the object firmly.
Step 3
To carry an object:
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Hold it close to your body.
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Bend your knees slightly as you walk. The heavier the object, the more you should bend your knees.
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Get help with heavy or unbalanced objects.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Louise Cunningham RN BSN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Raymond Turley Jr PA-C
Online Medical Reviewer:
Thomas N Joseph MD
Date Last Reviewed:
12/1/2020
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