Principles of Safe Lifting and Handling Technique
Principles
There is no single 'correct' lifting technique that suits every load and every person. The stable principles are: stop and assess; plan the route and the landing point; keep the load close; set a stable base with feet apart; maintain the natural curves of the spine; grip firmly; lift smoothly with the legs and trunk together; avoid twisting; and lower under control. Push rather than pull where possible, and use aids before relying on technique.
Worked example
A worker must move a 15 kg box from the floor to a bench. The assessment shows a clear route and a good grip. The worker faces the box, places feet shoulder-width apart, bends the knees and hips, keeps the box close, tightens the abdominal muscles, and lifts smoothly while looking ahead. The box is placed at waist height, not twisted onto a high shelf. If the box were heavier or the route blocked, the lift would be re-planned with an aid or a team.
What the exam expects
You should be able to sequence the lift: assess, plan, position, grip, lift, move, lower. You should also recognise that training in technique is not a substitute for avoiding or engineering out the hazard. Holding the breath and jerking the load increase spinal compression; twisting while lifting is a common mechanism of injury.
Traps
'Lift with your legs, not your back' is an oversimplification; the back muscles still work. Do not advise lifting above shoulder height or twisting to place a load. Do not say a back belt is required. Do not ignore the landing phase - many injuries occur when putting the load down.