How should you lift and carry heavy objects?

Answer 1

If you wish to lift a heavy box, the main safety precaution is to squat down close to the box, rather than bending over to reach it, and then lift it by using your legs, rather than your back. The human back muscles are quite strong, but the spine can be injured by over exertion, and chronic back ache is a very common problem that people develop. Other than that, boxes are easier to lift if you tie them up with strong twine or cord, which you can then hold onto. If the box is seriously heavy it might even take two people to lift it. It is probably a good idea to make sure that you know in advance where you are going to put the box once you have lifted it; this is not something that you will want to have to figure out while you are holding a heavy box. Try not to work in cluttered conditions. You do not want to trip over something while holding a heavy box. Remember that the box alters your balance and also hides part of the floor from your view. And if the box is really too heavy for you, it may be possible to simply unpack it, and pack the contents into two or more smaller boxes.

Answer 2

When lifting heavy objects, get close to the object. Squat and rise using your legs to lift the object. Try not to bend your back -- don't lean over and lift the object by straightening your back.

While carrying the object hold it against/close to your body so the least load practical is put on your back.

Answer 3

You should always make sure that you lift with both feet flat on the floor and use your arms and legs, not your back. You need to make sure you are completely balanced because the weight of the object may tip you over or cause you to strain yourself.

Answer 4

Lift a heavy box with your legs, not with your back. Otherwise, you could be seriously injured.

Answer 5

Use a forklift truck.