How should a compact load be lifted?
A compact load can be lifted between the knees. When lifting, remember to:
- context Look and plan ahead. Make sure your path is free of obstructions.
- context Stand close behind the load.
- context Check that you can get a good grip on the load.
- context Wear gloves, if necessary, to prevent scrapes or bruises.
- context Place the leading foot flat beside the load in the direction of travel.
- context Place the rear in the direction of travel.
- context Straddle the load:
- context Bend the hips and knees.
- context Keep your back straight.
- context Use a power grasp for loads with handles.
- context Use slings or hooks to improve grasp when loads do not have handles.
- context Use blocks under loads without handles to make lifting them up easier and safer.
- context Use a ledge grasp for loads without handles.
- context Grasp the load with elbows inside the thighs:
- context Grasp with one hand at the outer, upper corner, over the leading foot and the other hand on the lower, opposite corner.
- context Lean forward with the rear arm straight. This position gets the load moving.
- context Stand up by thrusting off with the back leg and continuing in an upward and forward direction.
- context Keep the load close to the body.
- context Use your thigh and leg muscles, not your back, as you lift in one, smooth motion.
- context Keep the rear arm straight.
- context Move off without twisting the body.
- context Keep the load at a reasonable height so you can see where you are going.