Safe Lifting

Health > Safe Lifting

Why is safe lifting important?

One of the most common causes of lower back injury is inappropriate lifting technique. Safe lifting, by ensuring correct lifting technique, is vital to minimize stress on the spine, therefore reducing the likelihood of lower back injury and lower back pain. Safe Lifting is particularly important due to the high prevalence of lower back pain in society. Appropriate lifting technique can also help to strengthen your thighs, buttocks and lower back muscles, improve posture and burn more calories.

How to lift safely

The following key points should be followed whenever lifting to ensure safety and minimize the risk of injury (figure 1):

Safe Lifting

Figure 1 – Safe Lifting Technique

Safe lifting key points

  • Get your body as close as possible to the object to be lifted
  • Position your feet at least shoulder width apart for stability
  • Bend your knees to pick up the object, keeping your back straight
  • Maintain a nice ‘long’, straight spine throughout the lift
  • Never lift anything that is too heavy
  • Always ask for assistance with lifting wherever possible
  • Try to minimize the distance and the period of time you are lifting or carrying the object
  • Use appropriate tools to help with lifting and transporting heavy objects (e.g. trolleys etc.)
  • Where possible, try to reduce the weight of the object being lifted or carried so that you can perform several smaller safe lifts, rather than one heavy unsafe lift
  • Never lift any object that causes pain
  • Avoid lifting anything after a period of prolonged sitting, driving or bending forwards (e.g. gardening, weeding etc)
  • Perform appropriate exercises before and after lifting and as a break from repetitive lifting
  • Postural Taping may be of benefit to encourage correct posture whilst lifting and to teach correct lifting technique

Exercises to assist with Safe Lifting

For exercises designed to reduce the likelihood of injuries related to lifting  ‘Become a Member’

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Keep Active

For detailed information on how to keep active to help improve strength, posture, flexibility and lifting / activity tolerance and to help reduce the likelihood of injuries related to lifing   ‘Become a Member’

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Safe Lifting Summary

For a detailed summary of the key points to prevent lifting related injuries ‘Become a Member’

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Physiotherapy Products to Assist with Safe Lifting and Spinal Injuries

To purchase physiotherapy products to assist with safe lifting and spinal injuries click on one of the above links or visit the PhysioAdvisor Shop.

Find a PhysioFind a Physio

Find a physiotherapist in your local area who is an expert in correct lifting technique and associated injuries.

Injury Information

Click on the appropriate link below to view detailed injury information on some common injuries related to lifting:

More information

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