Safety and Health                  Lawrence University Web Page

Mark D. Musser     LU- Safety Coordinator        mark.musser@lawrence.edu

Environmental, Health & Safety

Material Handling Basics

If we use proper body mechanics when we are lifting, bending or pushing we can eliminate a lot of unnecessary pain when lifting and handling materials.

Many painful injuries happen to workers because they forget one or more of the basic manual material handling principles. Here are a few pointers about lifting and handling:

• Plan your lift and test the load. Before you lift, think about the item you are going to move and ask yourself: "Can I lift this alone?" "Is it too awkward for one person?" "Is the path clear and free of debris and obstacles?"

First, try to use equipment (dollies, carts, two-wheelers, hydraulic/electrical hoists or lifts) to move loads whenever possible. 45-50 lb. loads should be the maximum weight to manually lift alone (Know your own limit, based on your present condition).

        Protect your hands. Wear tough gloves when you handle anything rough, sharp or splintery.  

• Size up the load—can you easily lift or move it? If the load is too heavy or too awkward for you to lift ask for help.

        Try to push loads instead of pulling them.

• Before you begin your lift, be sure you’ve got a secure grip and solid footing. 

Keep your feet apart for a stable base and point your toes out.

• Bend your knees. When you prepare to lift a load, bend your knees and crouch down, keeping your back upright.

Let your leg muscles bear the main strain rather than the lower back muscles.

• Tighten your stomach muscles. Use abdominal muscles to support your spine as you lift.

Train your muscles to work together.

• Lift with your legs. Let your leg muscles do the work of lifting, lift smoothly- don't jerk as you lift.

Avoid twisting your body when carrying a load; pivot with your feet instead of your spine.

• Keep the load close. The closer it is to your spine, the less force it exerts on your back.

• Keep your Back upright. Whether lifting or putting down the load.

Ergonomics and lifting

Ergonomics means designing the work place to fit the worker.

Do you have to stretch to reach the items that you work with?

Does the location of the items to be moved or lifted have obstacles that keep you from using proper lifting techniques?

Is it possible that by moving or rearranging items, the obstacles can be eliminated? Future lifts made easier?

Make sure work levels are at waist height when standing and elbow height when sitting whenever possible.

If you have to work in one position for a long period of time, take stretching breaks.

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