3 Safe Lifting Techniques Warehouse Employees Should Know About
Lifting and carrying heavy items isn’t just about strength; proper form can prevent injuries and protect your body over time.
Here are three best practices that can help warehouse teams follow
proper lifting techniques and stay safe when moving heavy materials.
Assess and Prepare
Before lifting something, scan your surroundings for potential hazards
and warm up your body. Look for any obstacles that might be in your way,
and clear any hazards from your path.
Once you’ve assessed the
situation, do a few dynamic stretches, jumping jacks, or other quick
exercises to get your blood flowing and your muscles limber. It can be
tempting to rush, especially in a fast-paced work environment, but
taking a few extra minutes to prevent avoidable injuries is the best way
to keep your warehouse running smoothly.
Follow Proper Lifting and Carrying Form
Using proper form can help you avoid lifting-related injuries, enjoy
your days off, and stay agile for years to come. Here are a few
techniques to keep in mind when lifting heavy items.
- Hold the load close to your body to reduce strain on your back and spine.
- Lift with your legs by bending your knees and keeping your back straight.
- Even if you can lift an item, it may be too heavy to carry across the warehouse. If you’re unsure about carrying an item, use a 2 wheel dolly to transport it instead.
- Avoid using quick, abrupt movements when lifting or carrying heavy items.
Load Hand Carts Properly
Standard hand truck carts
with a weight capacity of 500 pounds or specialized hand trucks can
help you and your team members move heavy loads with relative ease.
However, safely loading your equipment is key.
Follow proper
lifting techniques when loading hand trucks, always load heavier items
first, and make sure the load is secure before you begin moving. If
you’re using a versatile piece of equipment, such as a convertible hand
cart, make sure it’s in the correct position before you begin loading.
With these three strategies, you and your teammates can stay safe and keep your warehouse safe and efficient.
About Magline
Every
workplace strives to be safe, efficient, and productive, which is why
countless industries rely on Magliner moving equipment. As a global
leader in the material handling industry, Magliner hand trucks have set a
new standard for route distribution solutions for over 75 years. With a
unique modular design and patented safety features, Magliner equipment
helps team members handle heavy loads and bulky items with relative
ease. Whether your team needs a heavy duty hand truck or a customized two wheel dolly, turn to Magliner equipment.
Boost workplace safety with material handling tools from https://www.magliner.com/