BG Brisbane Employee Induction
Safe Lifting Techniques
CLICK THE LINK TO WATCH A SHORT VIDEO ON “SMART” LIFTING
STEP 1
Stand close to the load with your feet spread apart about shoulder width, with one foot slightly in front of the other for balance.
STEP 2
Squat down bending at the knees (not your waist). Tuck your chin while keeping your back as vertical as possible.
STEP 3
Get a firm grasp of the object before beginning the lift.
STEP 4
Begin slowly lifting with your LEGS by straightening them. Never twist your body during this step.
STEP 5
Once the lift is complete, keep the object as close to the body as possible. As the load’s centre of gravity moves away from the body, there is a dramatic increase in stress to the lumbar region of the back.
STEP 6
Keep lifts between shoulder and knuckle height.
Green Zone – Low Risk
Amber Zone – Medium Risk
Red Zone – High Risk (MUST BE AVOIDED )
If you must turn while carrying the load, turn using your feet-not your torso.
To place the object below the level of your waist, follow the same procedures in reverse order. Remember, keep your back as vertical as possible and bend at the knees.