Heavy Lifting (in Retail)

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Principles of Lifting

Many people say that our body is like a machine.

That like machines, we are capable of doing amazing things but at the same time, we also have limitations.

This is particularly true when lifting heavy objects in the warehouse.

Before you lift, ask yourself: Is the load heavy or awkward? Can I lift it with an equipment or with the help of another person? Can I only carry small items at a time? Where shall I bring the object? Is the path free of obstructions? Is it wet, uneven or closed? Does the object have handholds? Would I be needing gloves or PPEs? Remember: you are more important than the items you carry, so if you feel uncomfortable lifting an object by yourself, stop and ask for help.

While carrying the object, avoid twisting your hip. Use your leg muscles to turn.

You can always put the item down if you feel fatigued.

Which of these are true?

Potential Hazards and Solutions

According to CDC, more than half a million cases of musculoskeletal disorders is caused by poor lifting of materials.

This include short-term injuries such as cuts, bruises, sprains, tears and strains

or long-term injuries like damage to the muscles, tendons, bones, joints, ligaments, nerves, and blood vessels.

What causes these injuries to happen, and what can we do to prevent them?

If the lift is heavier than the ideal weight you can carry, opt for mechanical means.

If manual handling is still necessary, make sure you hold the object at what we call “power zones”

Power zone is the ideal area for lifting. It spans from your mid-chest level down to your mid-thigh.

When we bend when lifting an item, our back muscles are forced to support our upper body’s weight on top of the weight of the object we are lifting.

And even if we are just picking up a small, light item, bending can also cause strain on the back.

This also happens when we reach and carry the object on one shoulder, under an arm or even on one hand, causing uneven pressure on our spine.

Reduce the chances of reaching and bending by moving the load close to our body.

Place items to be lifted within the power zone.

Make sure your elbows remain close to your body.

Which two tools can make lifting easier?

Which two tools can make lifting easier?

Which two tools can make lifting easier?

Which two tools can make lifting easier?

Heavy Lifting Techniques

In this lesson, you will learn four kinds of safe lifting techniques and some tips to stay safe and injury-free during lifting.

Power Lift This is the most common technique when lifting heavy objects from the ground.

Start by placing your feet shoulder width apart. One foot should be in front of another.

With back straight, chest and head up, push buttocks out and bend at hips.

Use your legs to lift.

Place the items as close as possible to your body.

Grasp it tightly with your hands.

In Power Lifting, we use our back and not our legs to lift.

Things to remember:

It helps to stretch before lifting! Stretching warms up your body, making your muscles flexible and less prone to tears and strains.

Always maintain good posture

When transporting a load, never twist your body. If the object is heavy, twisting might dislocated your spine. Instead, use your feet to face the direction of where the object should go.

It takes conscious effort to get better at lifting safely. With constant practice, safe lifting will become your second nature.

Refresher Quiz

Which of these are true?

Which two tools can make lifting easier?

Which two tools can make lifting easier?

Which two tools can make lifting easier?

Which two tools can make lifting easier?

In Power Lifting, we use our back and not our legs to lift.