At the top of the list of work-related accidents, there is back pain. All professions are at risk, some more than others. Companies often have to send and receive boxes. For some companies, depending on the industry, these boxes can be heavy and an integral part of the employees’ work. Improper handling of these heavy items can cause a lot of health damage, especially in the long run. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of our tips on how to lift heavy loads without hurting yourself.
Use handling equipment
The best way to lift heavy loads is to use lifting equipment. Many companies specializing in the sale of material handling equipment offer different types of equipment. For example, the dealer ADEM offers rental, sales, and storage services. It can be an electric winch, a conveyor, or a forklift. Each of these devices allows you to lift loads without having to use your muscles too much. They can also make you more productive by reducing the time it takes to carry a box by hand.
So ask your company to provide you with some if your job requires lifting. But having the equipment is not enough; you have to know how to use it. With the cart, for example, it’s better to push than to pull. Pulling a cart would cause you to use your muscles and risk causing the same problems. And you must be careful to keep the load under control, especially on slopes.
Adopt good posture
If the company does not have handling equipment, paying attention to your posture while lifting the loads is important. Poor posture can have serious consequences on your muscles. This can be felt immediately or over time. To lift, place your feet in line with your shoulders while positioning one slightly in front of the other. Then, bend only your legs and knees to squat. If you have to put one knee in, make sure to put your other knee at a right angle in front of you.
Keep your back straight, shoulders and chest back, and look straight ahead. Put your hands around the load and lift it gently and slowly by straightening your hips and knees. Above all, keep your back in the same state (straight) while you lift the load. The load should be held close to your body at the belly button level.
Determine your limits
It is important to know your limits. Depending on your body type and strength, you can lift a certain amount of weight. Don’t take on any load that is too heavy for you. Use group efforts for heavy lifting. Ask for help when you are overwhelmed, and help others in turn. For group efforts, make sure that everyone lifting the load is about the same size. Most importantly, make sure everyone is lifting at the same time and moving at the same speed. Also, ensure that everyone stops in a coordinated manner to put the load down.
Avoid repeating the same actions too often.
Repeating the same actions over and over again can cause muscle fatigue. They can cause pain and musculoskeletal disorders. So avoid doing the same actions over and over again while you’re carrying a load. And, if your job involves moving heavy objects all day, you need to exercise. Flex your muscles through sports activities, and you’ll be less likely to suffer injuries and tears.
Final thoughts
The bottom line is that heavy loads are dangerous to the body. It is, therefore, important to be careful not to damage your muscles. And the tips above will help you do that. Sound off in the comments section below, and tell us what you want to read next and if you want to read more about lifting heavy loads.