Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling heavy loads can put you at risk of serious injury.

Workers are most at risk from lifting and carrying injuries when:

• a load is too heavy
• a load is difficult to grasp
• they have to bend and twist.

When a person reaches for items above shoulder height, their back becomes arched and their arms act as long levers. This makes the load difficult to control and significantly increases the risk of injury.

Here are some ways to stay safe:

• Use a trolley when moving large, heavy loads.
• Ask for help with carrying a load.
• Move the load in stages.
• Store loads in easy to reach places to reduce bending, stretching and twisting the body.
• Wear protective gear, such as gloves and boots, to protect against cuts and crushed toes etc.

See Video