Procedure - Proper Lifting Technique
Section: Human Resource Procedures
Procedure Owner: Ignition633 Ministries Nigeria Human Resources
Procedure Name: Proper Lifting Technique
Origination Date: October 2024
Purpose
The purpose of this procedure is to establish and promote safe lifting techniques among housekeeping staff to minimize the risk of injuries related to improper manual handling of heavy objects. By following the guidelines outlined in this document, staff can maintain proper posture and utilize safe methods to lift, carry, and move objects, ensuring a safer working environment, increased productivity, and reduced absenteeism due to musculoskeletal injuries.
Scope
This procedure applies to all housekeeping staff members responsible for lifting or moving objects in the course of their duties, including but not limited to handling cleaning supplies, moving furniture, or managing linen and waste disposal. It covers the correct techniques for manual lifting and highlights the use of available aids, where applicable, to ensure that staff comply with health and safety standards. This procedure is mandatory and must be adhered to at all times when performing lifting tasks.
Proper Lifting Technique
1. Solid or Liquid
- Determine if the load is solid or contains liquid. While solids won’t move around when you transport them, weight can shift around if you’re carrying a container with liquid. If you can’t see into the container you’re transporting, jostle it slightly and listen for any liquid inside.
- If it is a liquid container, be sure not to tip or lean the object while you’re carrying it.
- Check solid objects for loose or moving parts before you lift them. These may fall off or change how the weight is distributed.
2. Check the weight
- Try picking up 1 corner of the object to get an idea of its weight: Kneel on the ground next to the object and grab the corner with both hands. Try lifting up the object so 1 corner is completely off the ground.
- By lifting a corner, you can assume what the object’s total weight is and determine if you can lift it on your own.
- If you can’t lift the corner on your own, don’t attempt to lift the entire object.
- If you’re trying to lift a tall object, such as a bookshelf, tip it onto its longest side first so the weight is easier to carry.
3. Distance
- Stand in front of the object with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Stand about 1 ft (30 cm) from the object.
- Keep your feet at or slightly wider than shoulder-width.
- Position one foot slightly in front of the other so it’s along the side of the object you’re lifting.
4. Back and Knees
- Bend your knees and keep your back straight as you lower yourself.
- Keep your knees bent as you slowly lower your body to the ground.
- Tighten your abs as you squat down to help keep your body straight and support your lower back.
- Always keep your knees bent throughout the lift to help maintain your center of balance.
- If the object isn’t on the ground, bend down as far as you need in order to grab the best handhold.
Tip: If you have a medical history of back trouble or pains, ask a partner to help you carry the load.
5. Distribute the Weight
- Grab the load so the weight is evenly distributed between your hands.
- Find sturdy handholds that you can easily hold onto. Aim to hold the object near the bottom or by its heaviest point so you can easily control the weight. Make sure you have a firm grip so the object doesn’t slip out of your hands. For example, grab a table from the longest side and hold onto the tabletop or box apron underneath. Keep your arms shoulder-width apart to support the weight.
- If the object has handles, use them if possible.
- Wear work gloves if you want to get a better grip on your object.
- Do not attempt to carry the object with only one hand.
6. Lifting Technique
- Keep your back straight as you lift the load with your legs.
- Hug the object tightly against your chest as you straighten your legs. Support as much of the weight as you can just using your legs.
- Don’t arch or bend your back as you lift the object since it may cause pain.
- Keep lifting the object until you’re in a standing position.
- If you start lifting the object but can’t get back into standing position, set it down and ask for help.
- Don’t carry the object if you’re straining to lift it.
7. Slow and Steady
- Walk slowly to transport the object. Keep your legs slightly bent to keep your balance.
- Take small steps so you don’t lose control of the object. Keep your eyes in front of you rather than looking down at the object.
- When you need to make a turn, shuffle your feet until you’re facing the right way. Avoid twisting your body while you lift the object.
- If you need to carry the object a long distance, take a short break at the halfway point so you can rest and readjust your grip. Set the object down at waist-level if you can so you can easily pick it up again.
8. Bend your Knees
- Bend your knees to set the object down. When you reach the area where you need to put the object, keep your back straight and bend your knees into a squat position.
- Make sure the bottom of the object has full contact with the ground before letting go.
- If you’re lifting and carrying boxes, set them at waist-level so you don’t have to bend down when you open them.
9. Assistance
- Ask others to help carry the object if you don’t feel comfortable with the weight. If you’re unsure whether you can carry the object after you test the weight, don’t try to lift it on your own. Instead, ask for a few helpers to carry the object with you to evenly distribute the weight between you.
- If there isn’t anyone to help you, search for a hand dolly or other mechanical assistance.
- If the object has an awkward shape that you can’t get a grip on, such as a long couch, don’t try to lift it on your own.
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This procedure will be reviewed annually and is subject to change. Any changes will be communicated to all employees promptly.
For any questions or further assistance regarding this procedure, employees should contact the HR department at hr.nigeria@ignition633.org.