Safe Lifting Techniques for Lifting Heavy Items in a Warehouse Job
Warehouse workers spend much of their shift lifting and moving products to build customers' orders. They often use lifting equipment like a pallet jack, but they also create mixed pallets with different products. To do so, they lift and move heavy cases. At Dot Foods, our workers may repeatedly lift 35 to 60 pounds throughout their shift.
Unfortunately, lifting-related injuries, including back injuries, are a big issue in warehouse environments. That's why we take every precaution to ensure safe lifting practices. Learning and consistently applying proper lifting techniques is essential for preventing injuries and maintaining a safe and productive work environment.
Every Dot Foods warehouse worker is given comprehensive training on safe lifting. In this article, we'll explore some basic lifting techniques and explain why training is so important.
Preparing for a Lift: Key Steps to Take Before Lifting
Before you lift a heavy object, assess the load and the environment. Consider the object's weight, size, and shape, as well as any handles or grips that may be available.
Evaluate the path you'll need to take while carrying the load, ensuring it's clear of obstacles and hazards. If the load is too heavy or awkward for one person to handle safely, don't hesitate to ask for help or use a hand truck or other appropriate lifting equipment.
Once you've assessed the load and the environment, plan your lift. Determine the best way to grip the object and your route to your destination. If you need to turn while carrying the load, plan to move your feet rather than twisting your body.
Proper Lifting Techniques: The Basics
When you're ready to lift, follow these steps to lift with the proper form and avoid injury risk:
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Get near the load: the further it is from you, the more stress you'll put on your joints and muscles. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart for a stable platform. For balance, put one foot slightly ahead of the other.
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To reach the object, bend at your knees and hips, not your waist. Keep your back straight.
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Get a good grip on the object, using both hands whenever possible.
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Tighten your stomach muscles and lift the object using your legs, keeping the load close to your body.
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Straighten your legs and stand up slowly, avoiding jerky or sudden movements.
Keep your head up and your shoulders back throughout the lift to maintain a straight spine. Avoid twisting your body while lifting; instead, move your feet to turn.
How to Carry Heavy Loads Safely
Once you've lifted the load, maintain proper posture and balance while carrying it. Keep heavy items close to your body, ideally at waist height. Your elbows should be bent and your arms should hold the object securely. To avoid twisting your spine. take small steps, and lead with your hips, not your feet, when changing direction.
If you need to carry the load up or down stairs, be extra cautious. Use the handrail for support, and take one step at a time. If the load blocks your vision, ask a coworker to guide you.
Safe Techniques for Setting Down Heavy Loads
When you reach your destination, set the load down carefully by reversing the lifting process. Bend your knees and hips, but keep your back straight while you lower the object slowly to the ground or onto a stable surface. Avoid dropping the load or releasing your grip suddenly, as this can cause injury or damage to the object.
Utilizing Lifting Equipment Effectively
In many cases, lifting equipment can make moving heavy loads safer and more efficient. Some common types of lifting equipment used in warehouses include:
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Warehouse forklifts: These are commonly used to move high volumes of inventory, with an average capacity of 5,000 lbs, and some models handle up to 20,000 lbs.
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Electric lifts: Utilize electric power to lift, move, or stack goods efficiently and in an environmentally friendly manner.
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Lever hoists: Versatile tools for lifting, pulling, and securing heavy loads using a chain or lever mechanism.
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Pallet jacks and hand trucks: Manual or powered tools used to lift and move pallets over short distances within a warehouse.
Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines and safety procedures when using lifting equipment. At Dot Foods, we provide free training for any lifting equipment you'll need, including forklift training.
Common Lifting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even with proper training, it's easy to fall into bad habits or make mistakes when lifting heavy objects. Some common lifting mistakes include:
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Using improper lifting techniques, such as bending at the waist instead of the knees or twisting while lifting.
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Attempting to lift loads that are too heavy for one person.
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Ignoring ergonomic principles, such as not adjusting the height of the load to reduce bending and straining.
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Overloading lifting equipment or failing to maintain it properly.
To avoid these mistakes, always prioritize safety and follow the proper techniques you've learned. Don't hesitate to ask for help or use appropriate equipment when necessary.
If you notice any issues with lifting equipment, report them immediately to your supervisor.
The Role of Training and Safety Policies in Preventing Injuries
Training programs and well-enforced safety policies significantly reduce lifting-related injuries in the warehouse. Employers like Dot Foods provide initial and ongoing training on proper lifting techniques, hazard recognition, and the safe use of lifting equipment. We also offer regular refresher courses that can help reinforce good habits and prevent complacency.
In addition to training, we enforce safety policies and procedures, including guidelines on maximum lifting weights, requirements for using lifting equipment, and procedures for reporting hazards or incidents.
Dot Foods prioritizes safety and empowers employees to make safe choices, creating a culture of injury prevention and protecting our most valuable asset: the Dot Foods workforce. We're hiring now for warehouse jobs across North America. Apply today!