Manual Lifting

HSE Program
Manual Lifting
I. Purpose
Although back problems are common sources of pain and disability, most of these problems are
preventable with proper lifting techniques. Back injuries account for about one-fourth of the lost-
time injuries in the construction industry. Many of these injuries could be avoided if our people
practiced a few basic and simple rules for back conservation. Remember, back injuries don't
just happen at work; they can happen at home, or while you're out having fun. And a back
injury often limits all your activities.
There are a variety of stresses that improper lifting, twisting, or bending can put on the back.
Back problems can include:
 Strains and sprains
 Torn ligaments
 Ruptured or slipped disks
 Muscle spasms
II. Hazard Assessments

Before manual lifting is performed, a hazard assessment must be completed. The assessment
must consider size, bulk, and weight of the object(s), if mechanical lifting equipment is required,
if two-person lift is required, whether vision is obscured while carrying and the walking surface
and path where the object is to be carried. A job safety analysis (JSA) may need to be
conducted while planning difficult/multiple person lifts.
Supervision must periodically evaluate work areas and employees' work techniques to assess
the potential for and prevention of injuries. New operations should be evaluated to engineer out
hazards before work processes are implemented.
III. General Requirements

Manual lifting equipment such as dollies, hand trucks, lift-assist devices, jacks, carts, and hoists
must be provided for employees. Other engineering controls such as conveyors, lift tables, and
workstation design should be considered. Use of provided equipment by employees is required
and must be enforced. Where use of lifting equipment is impractical or not possible, two-person
lifts must be used for heavy or awkward objects.
Training:
 Training should include general principles of ergonomics, recognition of
hazards and injuries, procedures for reporting hazardous conditions, and
methods and procedures for early reporting of injuries. Additionally, job
specific training should be given on safe lifting and work practices, hazards,
and controls.
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HSE Program
Avoiding Back Injuries:

 Poor posture can put stress on back muscles. Poor physical condition can
lead to weak back muscles. Practice a regular exercise program to stretch
and strengthen your back muscles. Bending or twisting while lifting can
cause injury. Repeated minor strains can develop into an injury. Back
injuries are not always caused by lifting something too heavy. Stress and
tension can contribute to back pain.
 Size up the load. Test the weight by moving a corner of the object and get
help for heavy or awkward loads. Make sure you have a clear path to carry
the load, and a clear area to set it down.
 Stand with your feet close to the object, and center yourself over the load.
Bend your knees. This is the single most important part of lifting. The large
muscles in your legs are designed to carry weight, and bending your knees
gets your legs ready to support the load. Get a good grip on the object.
Clean and dry surfaces are easier to handle than wet and greasy ones.
Straighten your legs to lift straight up in a slow, smooth motion.
 Keep the load held close to your body. Do not twist or turn while
carrying the load. Sudden twisting motions can injure the disks in your
back. Bend your knees again as you lower the load to set it down.
 Loads on carts or wheels should be pushed, not pulled. Get help for lifting
items that are long, bulky, that don't have a good place to grip, or are too
heavy for one person. Know when mechanical lifting equipment should be
used instead of manual lifting! If possible, divide a heavy load into several
smaller ones.
The basic rules of good lifting are:

 Size up the load before you lift. Test by lifting one of the corners or
pushing. If it's heavy or feels too clumsy, get a mechanical aid or help from
another worker. When in doubt, don't lift alone!
 Bend the knees. Note that this item is the single most important aspect of lifting.
 Place your feet close to the object and center yourself over the load.
 Get a good hand hold.
 Lift straight up, smoothly, and let your legs do the work, not your back.
 Do not twist or turn your body once you have made the lift.
 Make sure beforehand that you have a clear path to carry the load.
 Set the load down properly.
 Always push, not pull, the object when it's on a cart or dolly.
 If it's a long load, get some help.
 Split the load into several smaller ones when you can.
Incident Reporting:
 Musculoskeletal injuries caused by improper lifting must be
investigated and documented. Incorporation of investigation findings
into work procedures must be accomplished to prevent future injuries.
Injuries must be recorded and reported as required by 29 CFR Part
1904.
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HSE Program

Manual Lifting

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Manual Lifting

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HSE Program

II. Hazard Assessments

III. General Requirements

Avoiding Back Injuries:

The basic rules of good lifting are:

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