How to Safely Lift Heavy Items
To prevent injuring yourself when performing a DIY removal, you should always employ the right techniques when lifting heavy objects such as furniture, industrial equipment or other cumbersome appliances. Failure to do so can result in a whole range of potential health problems, including:
- Muscle injuries (tendinitis, pulled muscles)
- Spinal injuries (herniated discs, pinched nerves)
- Hiatal hernias (ruptures/tears in the abdominal region)
- General exhaustion and fatigue
- Injuries to the shoulders, elbows, wrist, knees, hips & more
- Heart problems (high blood pressure, damage to aorta)
Let Common Sense Prevail
When moving heavy objects, always select a clear passage that is devoid of any obstructions. Inspect the item to determine where it can be safely held onto before picking it up. Always ensure that the weight of the object is evenly distributed. If you’re looking to move a chest of drawers, remove the drawers and shift them on their own.
If you’re going to haul a stack of boxes, be sure to lift an amount that is manageable. Be careful that the top boxes don’t slip off onto the ground. It’s always a good idea to secure any loose objects such as boxes with the use of some form of cabling.
Lifting Heavy Objects
When attempting to lift heavy items in a safe manner, it’s essential to do the following:
- Ensure your feet are approximately a shoulder’s length apart
- Keep your back straight and tighten your stomach muscles
- Bend your knees and crouch down
- Keep your eyes focused in front of you
- Grip the object firmly with both hands
When lifting, try to keep the object near to your body to help the make the lift as easy as possible. Be sure to keep your back straight at all times. Proceed to lift the heavy item using the strength in your legs. If particular items are proving too heavy to safely lift and carry, look to lighten the load. As a rule, don’t ever attempt to lift items that extend beyond the height of your shoulders, as this will obscure your vision and place you and others around you at risk of injury.
When shifting items from one place to another, move at a controlled pace and avoid twisting. Instead, turn your entire body and move about with consistent steps. When carrying the items, always aim to keep your shoulders in line with your pelvis. If you’re transporting a large item with the help of another individual, be sure that you both employ the same lifting and carrying technique.
Placing Heavy Items Down
When placing the object on floor, do the reverse of what you did to lift it; while being careful to keep your back straight and object close to you, slowly lower yourself using the strength in your legs. Place the item down calmly, being mindful not to ever rush yourself when carrying heavy equipment.
Transporting Heavy Items
When hauling heavy items in a transport vehicle, such as a Pantech hire truck, it’s imperative that all items are sufficiently fastened to prevent damage. At Mobile Truck Rental, all hire vehicles come equipped with rope as standard to help keep your cargo safely secured.
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