Safe lifting and back care

Key points

1. 1Size up the load before you lift. Tip it or push it a little to feel the weight, and if it's too heavy or awkward, get help or use a dolly, cart, or forklift.
2. 2Clear your path first. Pick up scraps, cords, and debris between you and where the load is going so you don't trip while carrying.
3. 3Get close to the load, feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees, and keep your back straight. Lift with your legs, not your back.
4. 4Keep the load close to your body, between your waist and chest. Never twist while holding it; turn by moving your feet.
5. 5For long or heavy items, team lift. Agree on who calls it, then lift, walk, and set down together on the count.
6. 6Store heavy materials at waist height when you can, not on the ground or overhead, so you're not bending or reaching for every piece.
7. 7Warm up and stretch before the shift, and switch tasks or take short breaks during repetitive work. If something starts to hurt, stop and tell me right away.

Talk it over

• What's the heaviest or most awkward thing you'll handle on this job this week, and how should we move it?
• Where on this site do you have to carry over bad footing, stairs, or clutter, and what can we fix?
• What equipment do we have, or need, that would save us from lifting by hand?

Also in the other language: Levantar con seguridad y cuidar la espalda

Official sources

• 29 CFR 1926.20 — General safety and health provisionsecfr.gov

More toolbox talks

• Silica dust
• Struck-by hazards
• Extension cords and GFCIs