How to Lift and Move Heavy Objects at Work Safely
Moving objects at work can be a challenge, whether you work for a moving
company or as a picker in a warehouse. Check whether there are
established policies for heavy lifting already in place. If you are not
trained in the proper use of equipment, find someone who is trained.
Otherwise, use these tips to move anything from furniture to large
printers safely.
Work Smart, Not Hard
Make a plan before moving the object. Will it fit through doors? Can you move it yourself or do you need help? Do you need tools like hand trucks or glide pads? Acting before thinking can lead to personal injury, especially back injury, or cause damage to the item.
Plan your route first. Make sure it is clear of obstacles. If you need to carry the item outside, factor in the weather. Will you need to move through snow or ice? Is it raining and slippery? Are there inclines or stairs you will need to navigate? Chart your path first, devise a plan for obstacles, and then move the object.
Break Down Items
If possible, break down the item. For example, take the doors off of a refrigerator to reduce weight. Take the legs off of furniture items so that they fit through doorways. Take drawers out of filing cabinets, especially if they are filled. If drawers or doors can’t be removed, take out the contents and tape them shut. This helps protect items such as furniture from damage during transit, and prevents unexpected swinging or shifting.
Team Lift
If the only tools you have at your disposal are other people, utilize them. If you are unsure about lifting the item on your own, don’t try. More people distribute weight and make moving objects easier. Large objects, or those with awkward shapes, will likely require at least two people to lift.
Use a Forklift
You may have access to a forklift if you work in a warehouse or loading area. However, a large forklift may be too big and unwieldy for the job. Instead, consider a smaller walk behind forklift that delivers powered lifting with a smaller footprint. Plus, a walk behind forklift often does not require a license to use, enabling all workers to move items quickly and efficiently. Generally, when using non-powered equipment to move objects, you want to push instead of pull, as it requires less exertion.
Bend with Your Knees
If your company does not have any material handling equipment, such as a hand truck, or the equipment is unavailable, you may need to lift the object manually. When lifting heavy objects, keep your back straight and bend with your knees. Push, don’t pull, heavy objects as much as you can before actually lifting them, to limit the time you need to hold the item. If possible, keep your load below waist level and close to your body. This maintains your stability and keeps the item close to your center of gravity.
About Magline
Magliner products are some of the most well-known and trusted in the material handling industry. A hand truck of any make is often referred to as a “Magliner,” no matter the actual brand. There is, however, no substitute for the Magline brand when it comes to quality. Magline has designed, innovated, and produced the most reliable, durable, and trustworthy material handling equipment available for more than 70 years. While famous for their industry-standard hand cart, Magline also produces a variety of specialized equipment like platform trucks, u boat carts, and motorized hand trucks to reduce employee injuries and increase efficiency.
To learn more about Magliner hand trucks and other material handling products, visit Magliner.com
Work Smart, Not Hard
Make a plan before moving the object. Will it fit through doors? Can you move it yourself or do you need help? Do you need tools like hand trucks or glide pads? Acting before thinking can lead to personal injury, especially back injury, or cause damage to the item.
Plan your route first. Make sure it is clear of obstacles. If you need to carry the item outside, factor in the weather. Will you need to move through snow or ice? Is it raining and slippery? Are there inclines or stairs you will need to navigate? Chart your path first, devise a plan for obstacles, and then move the object.
Break Down Items
If possible, break down the item. For example, take the doors off of a refrigerator to reduce weight. Take the legs off of furniture items so that they fit through doorways. Take drawers out of filing cabinets, especially if they are filled. If drawers or doors can’t be removed, take out the contents and tape them shut. This helps protect items such as furniture from damage during transit, and prevents unexpected swinging or shifting.
Team Lift
If the only tools you have at your disposal are other people, utilize them. If you are unsure about lifting the item on your own, don’t try. More people distribute weight and make moving objects easier. Large objects, or those with awkward shapes, will likely require at least two people to lift.
Use a Forklift
You may have access to a forklift if you work in a warehouse or loading area. However, a large forklift may be too big and unwieldy for the job. Instead, consider a smaller walk behind forklift that delivers powered lifting with a smaller footprint. Plus, a walk behind forklift often does not require a license to use, enabling all workers to move items quickly and efficiently. Generally, when using non-powered equipment to move objects, you want to push instead of pull, as it requires less exertion.
Bend with Your Knees
If your company does not have any material handling equipment, such as a hand truck, or the equipment is unavailable, you may need to lift the object manually. When lifting heavy objects, keep your back straight and bend with your knees. Push, don’t pull, heavy objects as much as you can before actually lifting them, to limit the time you need to hold the item. If possible, keep your load below waist level and close to your body. This maintains your stability and keeps the item close to your center of gravity.
About Magline
Magliner products are some of the most well-known and trusted in the material handling industry. A hand truck of any make is often referred to as a “Magliner,” no matter the actual brand. There is, however, no substitute for the Magline brand when it comes to quality. Magline has designed, innovated, and produced the most reliable, durable, and trustworthy material handling equipment available for more than 70 years. While famous for their industry-standard hand cart, Magline also produces a variety of specialized equipment like platform trucks, u boat carts, and motorized hand trucks to reduce employee injuries and increase efficiency.
To learn more about Magliner hand trucks and other material handling products, visit Magliner.com
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