Environmental Health and Safety Program
HOW TO LIFT PROPERLY
It has been estimated that 8 out of 10 Americans will have a
back injury some time in their life. Most back injuries occur
from improper lifting. Learning proper lifting techniques and
incorporating them into your daily activities is the best way to
prevent back injury. Remember that before you begin to lift you
should test the weight and determine how the best way to lift it
might be. You may need to get help from another person or
mechanical help (such as a cart or dolly) to assist you with the
lift. During lifting remember these nine things.
- Know where you are going to lift a load. Pre-plan
your lift.
- Get a firm footing: Keep your feet apart (shoulder
width) for a stable base and good balance; point toes
out.
- Bend at your knees and hips: Don't bend at the
waist. Keep the principles of leverage in mind. Don't do
more work than you have to. Maintain your three natural
back curves.
- Tighten stomach muscles: Abdominal muscles support
your spine when you lift, off setting the force of the
load and protect your back. Train muscle groups to work
together.
- Lift with your legs: Let your powerful leg muscles
do the work of lifting, not your weaker back muscles.
Maintain you three natural curves.
- Lift smoothly; don't jerk as you lift. Suddenly
movement and weight shifts can injure your back.
- Keep load close:Don't hold the load away from your
body. The closer it is to our spine, the less force it
exerts on your back.
- Keep your back upright: Whether you are lifting or
putting down the load, don't add the weight of your body
to the load. Your nose and your toes should be facing up
when lifting.
- Turn with your feet: Avoid twisting; it can cause
injury.
Who Do I Contact For Additional Information
If you have
any questions regarding these procedures please contact your
supervisor or Dan
Sweetman, Environmental Health Safety and Risk Manager,
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, 855 East Avenue North, La
Crosse, WI 54601 EMail: sweetman.dani@uwlax.edu Telephone:
(608)785-6800 Fax: (608)785-6577
Back to the
UW-L Environmental Health and Safety Home Page
For additional information, contact Dan Sweetman
Please send comments or suggestions for this page to: Vickie Baer
Last modified:
09/17/02
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the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System