What are the most common mistakes people make when lifting heavy objects?

The most common mistake is lifting with your back instead of your legs. This puts a lot of strain on your spine and can lead to injury. Other common mistakes include: Lifting objects that are too heavy for you. Lifting objects from a low height. Twisting your body while lifting. Not using a lifting aid when available.

How can I lift heavy objects safely?

There are a few things you can do to lift heavy objects safely: Use your legs, not your back. Bend your knees and keep your back straight. Keep the object close to your body. Turn by moving your feet, not by twisting your body. If the object is too heavy, ask for help. Take breaks often. Exercise regularly to strengthen your core muscles.

What are some lifting aids that can help me lift heavy objects safely?

There are a variety of lifting aids available, such as: Trolleys Dollies Hoists Lift tables Lifting belts

What are some signs that I may have injured myself while lifting?

Some signs that you may have injured yourself while lifting include: Pain in your back, shoulders, or arms. Numbness or tingling in your hands or fingers. Weakness in your arms or legs. Difficulty moving your back or neck. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor or physical therapist right away.

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Ergonomics in the workplace
How to lift correctly and avoid straining your body

How to lift correctly and avoid straining your body

Ways to lift correctly and avoid straining your body

Lifting and bearing heavy loads are common work tasks at many workplaces. To avoid straining the body, one must have the right knowledge about lifting. A workplace that works toward promoting ergonomic work methods enhances the work environment and simultaneously invests in employees' health.

A man loads boxes onto a transport trolley

What happens if you lift incorrectly?

The most common mistake is that we lift with the back instead of with the legs. This can put a lot of strain on the disks in your back. Unfortunately, you don't always get any warning signs before problems in your back start to show. In addition, heavy lifting can affect the body long term by accelerating signs of aging such as joint wear and tear.

Anna Millbourn Olander, ergonomist and licensed physiotherapist, gives us tips on what to think about when lifting heavy things or if your work involves repeated lifting.

"The very best thing is if you can avoid lifting and instead push, pull or roll the load with the help of a transport trolley or some other aid. If you do not have the opportunity to do so, it is important to lift correctly, take breaks and vary the work tasks. I think you should learn a good lifting technique and always use it, regardless of whether you're picking up a pencil or lifting a large television."

What is the correct way to lift?

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and position yourself so the load close is to your body.
Squat slightly with your knees bent and your back straight to avoid stooping. Slight bending of your back, hips and knees at the start of the lift is preferable to either fully flexing your back (stooping) or fully flexing your hips and knees (deep squatting). Remember to lift with your legs not your back.
Lift the object straight up, keep your arms as close to your body as possible and avoid turning or twisting your body while lifting. Keep the load close to your waist as much as possible while lifting. Turn by moving your feet.
When setting the object down, it's just as important to use the same technique by keeping your back straight and beding your legs.
If you are lifting with a partner, make sure that you lift and put the load down at the same time. Remember that communication is key.

Diagram showing correct lifting positions

I usually say that when you can't maintain a good lifting technique, then it's too heavy.

What counts as heavy lifting?

There is no telling how heavy you can lift without risk of injury. The distance from the body, how easy you can grasp the object, the surface you stand on and the height you lift from affect how large the load will be. Likewise, how often you lift.

What needs to be considered when lifting heavy objects?

"Think about how weightlifters do. They lift huge weights, but close, close to the body and with a straight back. It's the legs that have to work. It's also important to remember that it's not only heavy lifts that are harmful, smaller weights can also mean a big load if you lift often or too far from the body," says Anna Millbourn Olander.

What is ergonomics?

Create the correct conditions for lifting

By thinking about ergonomics when designing the workplace, many injuries can be prevented. Anna Millbourn Olander emphasizes that it is not enough to have lifting aids such as a pallet lifter, lifting table or work positioners. Everyone must know how to use them, they must be easily accessible and there must be time to use them safely.

Plan before lifting

Assess the weight of the load; if the weight is not clearly marked, test it by moving one corner. If in doubt about the weight, do not lift the goods: use a lifting aid or get help from another worker.

Make room for lifting
If it's not possible to avoid lifting, it's important that there is plenty of space so that you can lift correctly, without twisting your body, and that the surface is level. It's also a good idea to place heavy objects at an easily accessible height

Optimise your work environment
A well-planned workplace layout also makes a big difference. Reducing the distance that loads need to be carried, keeping walkways clear, and avoiding steps or uneven surfaces all help lower the risk of strain. Where possible, divide heavy goods into smaller packages and make sure packaging allows for a secure grip.

Relieve your back with counter movements
If you have a job with a lot of lifting, counter movements are a good way to prevent injuries. These are relieving exercises, which help to keep the back healthy.

If you have tasks where you're constantly bending forward, make it a habit to put your hands behind your back and bend backwards at least once an hour. A tip that even those who sit leaning forward over a desk all day can benefit from.

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Four simple tips for sustainable lifting

Push, pull or roll instead of carrying. A simple but very effective way to avoid wear and tear damage. Regardless of whether you are moving folders in the office or heavy equipment in industry, it is good to use a transport trolley. Even light lifting that is repeated often can affect the body negatively.
Keep the most important things close at hand. Avoid bending down or reaching for things unnecessarily. In the workshop, it is perfect to have tool boards above the workbench. In the office, it is good to store the things you use most on the desk or at working height in cupboards or shelves.
Do not place heavy objects high up or far down. Don't place heavy objects on the floor. The things that weigh the most or that you use most often should be stored at stomach height. Preferably store nothing below knee height or above shoulder height.
Lift heavy objects close to the body. Bend your knees and keep your back straight, this way the load is on the legs instead of the back.

Training

Equally important is ensuring that everyone who handles loads knows how to lift safely. Employees should receive practical guidance on correct techniques tailored to the specific tasks and environment they work in. New staff can benefit from hands-on demonstrations, while experienced employees may need refresher sessions to reinforce good habits. Training should also cover recognising risk factors, understanding the limits of safe lifting, and knowing how to use lifting aids effectively. By investing in proper instruction, workplaces can reduce the likelihood of injuries and help staff feel more confident when lifting.

Lifting equipment

To further reduce the strain on workers, consider introducing material handling and mechanical lifting equipment. Depending on the tasks, this might range from sack trucks and box dollies to pallet trucks, work positioners and lift tables. It’s not just the weight of the goods that creates risk but also the frequency of lifting and the positions involved, which is why lighter-duty aids such as trolleys and dollies can be just as valuable as forklifts and pallet positioners. Whatever the solution, staff should always be trained to use lifting equipment correctly to ensure maximum safety and benefit.

FAQs

The most common mistake is lifting with your back instead of your legs. This puts a lot of strain on your spine and can lead to injury. Other common mistakes include:

Lifting objects that are too heavy for you.
Lifting objects from a low height.
Twisting your body while lifting.
Not using a lifting aid when available.

The most common injuries are back pain, muscle strains, and sprains. These injuries can range from mild to severe and can sometimes lead to long-term disability.

There are a few things you can do to lift heavy objects safely:

Use your legs, not your back.
Bend your knees and keep your back straight.
Keep the object close to your body.
Turn by moving your feet, not by twisting your body.
If the object is too heavy, ask for help.
Take breaks often.
Exercise regularly to strengthen your core muscles.

There are a variety of lifting aids available, such as:

Trolleys
Dollies
Hoists
Lift tables
Lifting belts

The best way to prevent injuries from lifting is to avoid lifting heavy objects altogether. However, if you must lift, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of injury:

Use a lifting aid.
Take breaks often.
Exercise regularly to strengthen your core muscles.
Lift with the correct technique.

Lifting injuries can vary from mild aches and pains in the joints and muscles to acute back pain and herniated discs, causing long-term back problems. There is also a risk of neck and shoulder injuries.

Some signs that you may have injured yourself while lifting include:

Pain in your back, shoulders, or arms.
Numbness or tingling in your hands or fingers.
Weakness in your arms or legs.
Difficulty moving your back or neck.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor or physical therapist right away.

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