Lifting: Difference between revisions
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== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
[[File:Lifting box.jpg|right|frameless]] | |||
Many [[Lumbar Anatomy|lower back]] injuries come about as a result of poor lifting techniques, something that physiotherapists are uniquely placed to address. | |||
* Lifting heavy items is one of the leading causes of [[Work-Related Musculoskeletal Injuries and Prevention|injury in the workplace]]. | |||
* Bending, followed by twisting and turning, were the more commonly cited movements that caused back injuries. | |||
* Strains and sprains from lifting loads improperly or from carrying loads that are either too large or too heavy are common hazards associated with manually moving materials. | |||
* When using smart lifting practices, people are less likely to suffer from back sprains, muscle pulls, wrist injuries, elbow injuries, spinal injuries, and other injuries caused by lifting heavy objects<ref>UNC [https://ehs.unc.edu/workplace-safety/ergonomics/lifting/ Lifting and handling material] Available from:https://ehs.unc.edu/workplace-safety/ergonomics/lifting/ (last accessed 13.9.2020)</ref>. | |||
The following principles of safe lifting should be covered whenever you treat a patient with [[Low_Back_Pain|Lower back pain]]. | |||
== Principles of | == Principles of Safe Lifting == | ||
*Assess the immediate area and load to be lifted. | *[[File:Screenshot 2020-05-22 at 11.50.49.png|right|frameless|350x350px]]Assess the immediate area and load to be lifted. | ||
*Bend the knees to lower the body to the level of the load. | *Bend the knees to lower the body to the level of the load. | ||
*Keep feet shoulder width apart to ensure a broad, stable base. | *Keep feet shoulder width apart to ensure a broad, stable base. | ||
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*Lift using the strong muscles in the legs, rather than the postural muscles in the trunk. | *Lift using the strong muscles in the legs, rather than the postural muscles in the trunk. | ||
*If the load is too heavy for one person, wait until you can get help. | *If the load is too heavy for one person, wait until you can get help. | ||
== Important Things To Remember == | |||
* [[File:Lifting mechanics.jpg|right|frameless]]Use mechanical means (e.g. hand trucks, pushcarts, etc.) when possible for heavier or awkward loads. | |||
* Easier and safer to push than to pull. | |||
* Keep loads as close to the body as possible and do not twist while lifting, carrying, or setting down a load. Nose, shoulders, hips, and toes should all be facing the same direction. | |||
* Minimize reaching. | |||
* Stoop or squat if the load is below you and use a ladder if it is too high. | |||
* As a general rule, bend at the knees, not the hips. | |||
* Get help when needed. | |||
* Plan ahead for all parts of the lift: lifting, carrying, and setting down. | |||
* Try to utilize proper handholds while lifting. If an item does not have a good handhold, think of ways to remedy this, such as placing the item in a container with good handholds, creating a safe and proper handhold with an appropriate tool, etc. | |||
* Use personal protective equipment where needed, such as gloves with good grip and steel-toed boots where appropriate. | |||
* Clear pathway before carrying, lifting, pushing or pulling. | |||
* Implement rest breaks and job rotation for frequent and/or heavy lifting. | |||
* Place items to be lifted within the “power zone”. ie close to the body, between the mid-thigh and mid-chest of the person doing the lifting. This is the area where the arms and back can lift the most with the least amount of effort. | |||
{{#ev:youtube|z4epeIusue0|300}}<ref>Amit G Alon. How To Lift Heavy Weight Safely. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4epeIusue0 [last accessed 16/4/2022]</ref> | |||
== References == | == References == | ||
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[[Category:Open_Physio]] | [[Category:Open_Physio]] | ||
[[Category:Lumbar Spine]] | |||
[[Category:Occupational Health]] | |||
[[Category:Biomechanics]] |
Latest revision as of 06:59, 24 April 2022
Original Editor - The Open Physio project
Top Contributors - Oladayo Babalola, Admin, Rachael Lowe, Lucinda hampton, Kim Jackson, WikiSysop and Niha Mulla
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Many lower back injuries come about as a result of poor lifting techniques, something that physiotherapists are uniquely placed to address.
- Lifting heavy items is one of the leading causes of injury in the workplace.
- Bending, followed by twisting and turning, were the more commonly cited movements that caused back injuries.
- Strains and sprains from lifting loads improperly or from carrying loads that are either too large or too heavy are common hazards associated with manually moving materials.
- When using smart lifting practices, people are less likely to suffer from back sprains, muscle pulls, wrist injuries, elbow injuries, spinal injuries, and other injuries caused by lifting heavy objects[1].
The following principles of safe lifting should be covered whenever you treat a patient with Lower back pain.
Principles of Safe Lifting[edit | edit source]
- Assess the immediate area and load to be lifted.
- Bend the knees to lower the body to the level of the load.
- Keep feet shoulder width apart to ensure a broad, stable base.
- Keep the back straight (though not necessarily erect).
- Use a firm, palmar grip.
- Keep the arms close to trunk.
- Keep the load / weight close to the Centre of gravity and within the Base of support.
- Point / pivot the feet in the direction of the movement. Never rotate the trunk while lifting.
- Lift using the strong muscles in the legs, rather than the postural muscles in the trunk.
- If the load is too heavy for one person, wait until you can get help.
Important Things To Remember[edit | edit source]
- Use mechanical means (e.g. hand trucks, pushcarts, etc.) when possible for heavier or awkward loads.
- Easier and safer to push than to pull.
- Keep loads as close to the body as possible and do not twist while lifting, carrying, or setting down a load. Nose, shoulders, hips, and toes should all be facing the same direction.
- Minimize reaching.
- Stoop or squat if the load is below you and use a ladder if it is too high.
- As a general rule, bend at the knees, not the hips.
- Get help when needed.
- Plan ahead for all parts of the lift: lifting, carrying, and setting down.
- Try to utilize proper handholds while lifting. If an item does not have a good handhold, think of ways to remedy this, such as placing the item in a container with good handholds, creating a safe and proper handhold with an appropriate tool, etc.
- Use personal protective equipment where needed, such as gloves with good grip and steel-toed boots where appropriate.
- Clear pathway before carrying, lifting, pushing or pulling.
- Implement rest breaks and job rotation for frequent and/or heavy lifting.
- Place items to be lifted within the “power zone”. ie close to the body, between the mid-thigh and mid-chest of the person doing the lifting. This is the area where the arms and back can lift the most with the least amount of effort.
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ UNC Lifting and handling material Available from:https://ehs.unc.edu/workplace-safety/ergonomics/lifting/ (last accessed 13.9.2020)
- ↑ Amit G Alon. How To Lift Heavy Weight Safely. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4epeIusue0 [last accessed 16/4/2022]