Landscaping - Manual Materials Handling

What are some general good habits?

There are many tips in other Landscaping OSH Answers documents.

• context Assess the load to be lifted and the overall conditions. Get assistance with items that appear too heavy or awkward. Ensure that there is enough space for movement and that you can walk along the surface safely.
• context Stay balanced - keep your feet shoulder-width apart, with one foot beside and the other behind the object to be lifted.
• context Carry the object close to your body. To change direction, turn your whole body by shifting your foot position - don't twist your body!
• context To lower object, bend your knees - not your back!

What are some guidelines for lifting?

How do you lift heavy objects from ground level?

What are some guidelines for transferring objects?

• context Reduce the load on your back by transferring your body weight. Shift your body weight from one leg to the other. Avoid twisting your back. Momentum helps move the load.
• context Use the following sequence of motions for moving heavy or bulky materials such as patio stones, sidewalk slabs, cement blocks, bulbed trees, rolled sod, etc.
• context Fact sheet confirmed current: 2022-04-05