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Back injuries account for one in five workplace injuries or illnesses every year. With a quarter of all compensation indemnity claims also involving back injuries, it’s clear to see that back pain is a multi-billion dollar cost to the country, not to mention being a significant burden to those experiencing it.
Knowing that lifting heavy things like bulky furniture can contribute to back pain or cause a severe back injury, it makes sense to explore safe lifting techniques. Below are some helpful tips to get you started:
Leave Lifting to the Experts
Moving house can be stressful enough without sustaining a back injury in the process. Contact your local removalists to take care of all the heavy lifting. Furniture removalists are skilled in how to move heavy items safely without hurting themselves. They also have various tools and machines to make the job fast, easy, and efficient for peace of mind.
Not only can hiring removalists ensure you avoid pesky back pain, but it can also be one less task on your to-do list. You can focus your attention on packing small items and getting ready to move into your new home.
Plan Your Furniture Route
Many people make the mistake of lifting furniture to remove from their homes without thinking about the path they’ll take. They encounter obstacles along the way and don’t always choose the best lifting techniques for the furniture’s weight, shape, and size. Always plan your furniture route in and out of your home to ensure you can move it safely and quickly.
Use the Best Lifting Techniques
Unless you’ve been involved in a job that required heavy lifting, you may not know the best lifting techniques to prevent injury. Always lift with your legs and never your back. Keeping your back straight and bending at your knees is also important.
According to OSHA, safe lifting involves:
- Stand as close to the furniture as possible
- Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, with one foot slightly ahead of the other
- Bend at the hips and knees
- Keep your head up straight and your shoulders back
- Engage your core muscles and straighten your legs as you push against the ground
- Consider asking for help or using specialized lifting and moving equipment if the furniture is heavy or awkward.
Remember the ‘Don’ts’ of Heavy Lifting
You might remember the basics for safe heavy lifting, but it’s also helpful to be aware of what not to do – especially when particular actions might increase your chances of a back injury.
Remember the phrase, ‘nose between your toes,’ to avoid twisting your torso while you lift. Never carry a load that obstructs your vision or lift above shoulder height. It’s also important not to hold your breath while lifting, moving, or putting down the furniture.
Wear Protective Equipment
You might not be working with hazardous materials or dangerous power tools, but that doesn’t mean handling bulky furniture doesn’t call for protective equipment. You might be at a reduced risk of serious injury by wearing gloves and closed-toe shoes.
Gloves can protect your hands while you carry items, while grippy, closed-toe shoes may prevent slips and falls. They can also provide at least a small amount of protection if any furniture grazes your feet.
Moving house is already stressful enough without having to deal with a back injury from lifting bulky furniture. If the time has come to prepare for a big move, take note of the tips above. You can then improve your chances of a stress-free and pain-free moving process.
