Keep a positive attitude about your job and
homelife. Studies show that persons who are
unhappy at work or home tend to have more back
problems and take longer to recover than persons
who have a positive attitude.
TIPS AND TRICKS FOR SAFE LIFTING:
When lifting objects, back injuries can be
avoided if you:
1. Keep a wide base of support. Spread your
feet apart with one foot slightly ahead of the
other to make yourself more stable.
2. Keep the object close to you. The farther
the object is from you the more pressure there
is on your low back.
3. Bend your knees and hips. To pick up or
set down objects you need to get your hands
down to that level. Don’t bend over at
the waist, bend your hips and knees.
4. Maintain your low back curve. This is the
key! Lock in the spine so that you maintain
that slightly inward curve in your low back.
5. Do not twist or bend sideways. Face the
object you are picking up or working on. If
you must turn to change your direction, pivot
on your feet.
6. Push rather than pull. Pushing is easier
for your back. Brace your hands on the object,
lock your natural curve in your spine and slightly
bend your knees. This will give you lots of
pushing power—safely!
7. Use a step stool. If you must reach over
shoulder level, use a step stool to get up closer
to the object to avoid more strain on the low
back. It’s not the weight of the object
but the position of your back that causes injuries.
8. Get help. If the object is too heavy or
the size or shape is too awkward, ask for help
or use some equipment designed to assist you.
