Back Safety: Lifting

Here's how to keep your back safe while you bend, lift, and carry.

FacebookXLinkedinEmailCopy LinkPrint

Lifting can strain or even injure your back. Follow these tips to keep your back safe while you bend, lift, and carry. 

Protect your back while lifting

Step 1

Side view of kneeling man tilting box getting ready to lift it.

  • Face the object.

  • With your back straight, get down on 1 knee.

  • If you can, tilt the object so 1 side lifts off the ground.

  • Keep the object close to you.

Step 2

Side view of man on one knee lifting box.

  • Tighten your stomach muscles.

  • Lift with your legs, arms, and buttocks, not your back.

  • Don't twist.

  • Lift the object to your knee.

  • Grasp the object firmly.

Step 3

Side view of man lifting box.

  • Lift with your arms and legs, not your back.

  • Move quickly to help make this easier.

To carry an object:

  • Hold it close to your body.

  • Bend your knees slightly as you walk. The heavier the object, the more you should bend your knees.

  • Get help with heavy or unbalanced objects.