MyLU Insider

Material Handling and Safe Lifting Techniques

Planning ahead for a job that requires material handling or lifting can help you avoid pain and injuries.

Before Lifting:

  • Know what you are lifting and how to lift it. Proper technique matters.
  • Make sure the work area and pathway is flat, dry and clear of debris, tripping hazards.
  • Be aware of the objects weight and center of gravity.
  • Is it safe to lift on your own, within your physical limits?

Whenever possible:

Use mechanical means such as dollies, hoists, or forklifts. Use ramps or lift gates to load machinery into trucks, rather than lifting manually.

Prepare your body to lift:

Before lifting manually, stretch to warm up the muscles that you will using before the lift (hold each position for 10 seconds), and use a proper lifting technique to lift the load.

  • Get as close to the object as possible.
  • Use a wide stance, with one foot forward and one to the side of the object for good balance.
  • Keep your back in its neutral position, use your hips and legs to lower yourself down to the object. DO NOT get close to the object by bending your back.
  • Slide the object as close to you as possible, put the hand of your forward foot on the furthest side of the object. Place you other hand on the opposite corner.
  • Grasp the object firmly with both hands and prepare to lift.
Picture showing proper body and hand position during the lift.

Tighten your core body muscles, looking forward, bring the object to the “Power Zone” using your arms, shoulders, chest and back before standing to slowly lift the load.

Bring object to the "Power Zone" before Standing.
Bring object to the “Power Zone” before Standing.

Avoid twisting your spine while moving the object, pivot by moving your feet in the direction you want to go, facing forward as you carry the object.

Use this basic technique when you can straddle the object.

When lifting awkward or heavy loads seek help and use a two-person lift. Select a lift leader, and lift together using simple commands. Lift the load at the same time, keeping the load level. Avoid holding items for a long period, take breaks if needed.

Picture of a two-person lift, backs in a neutral position, heads up.
Picture of a two-person lift, backs in a neutral position, heads up.

Here are some short videos for you to view proper lifting techniques in action.

Proper Lifting Techniques  [3:18] video by Atlantic Physical Therapy Center. Jim Flaherty explains 4 different techniques to use when having to lift objects off of the ground. His focus is to help people prevent back injuries.

Safe Lifting [9:45] video from Safety Analyst, Austen Schroeder. Learn how to safely lift heavy objects while on the job, view examples of Parks employees working out in the field.