www.wsps.ca Open in urlscan Pro
20.48.139.218  Public Scan

Form analysis
1 forms found in the DOM

https://www.wsps.ca/resource-hub/search

<form id="uf-search-form" class="uf-search-form" role="search" aria-label="Sitewide" action="https://www.wsps.ca/resource-hub/search">
  <input type="search" name="ufq" id="uf-search-input" class="uf-search-input uf-input" placeholder="Type a keyword here" aria-label="Type a keyword here">
  <input type="hidden" name="ufs" value="7437907">
  <button type="submit" id="uf-search-submit" class="uf-search-submit" title="Search sitewide">
    <i class="fas fa-search" aria-hidden="true"></i>
    <span class="sr-only">Search sitewide</span>
  </button>
  <button type="button" id="uf-search-close" class="uf-search-close" title="Close Search Box">
    <i class="fas fa-times" aria-hidden="true"></i>
    <span class="sr-only">Close search box</span>
  </button>
</form>

Text Content

Press Alt+1 for screen-reader mode, Alt+0 to cancelAccessibility Screen-Reader
Guide, Feedback, and Issue Reporting


About Us Get Involved Contact Us
Login / Register Shop
Shop
toggle menu
Login / Register Shop
About Us Get Involved Contact Us
 * How We
   Help
   How We Help
   How We Help Training & Certifications Consulting Small Business Centre
   Agriculture & Horticulture Safety Centre WSIB Health & Safety Excellence
   program Awareness Sessions
 * Health & Safety:
   Resources & Tools
   Health & Safety:
   Resources & Tools
   Health & Safety: Resources & Tools The Business Case for Safety Workplace
   Hazards Health & Safety Topics Sector-Specific Health & Safety Research
   Resource Hub
 * Your Roles &
   Responsibilities
   Your Roles &
   Responsibilities
   Your Roles & Responsibilities Understanding the Legislation Developing a H&S
   Policy & Program Investigating Complaints Inspections & Investigations
   Frequently Asked Questions
 * Training &
   Events
   Training & Events
   Training & Events JHSC Certification Events & PIP Conferences Free Safety
   Connections Workplace Mental Health Workplace Hazards COVID-19 in the
   Workplace Federally Regulated Workplaces More Categories
 * News &
   Updates
   News & Updates
   News & Updates Email Subscription Centre Announcements Articles Sign Up for
   Email Newsletter Course Cancellations



Skip to main content
Toggle menubar

Welcome to WSPS Resource Hub

 * Resource Home
 * Toggle submenu for: Role
   * Employer or Senior Leader
   * Health & Safety Committee Member or Representative
   * HR / Health & Safety Professional
   * Worker
   * My First Job - Young Worker
 * Toggle submenu for: Topic
   * COVID-19 - Emergency Preparedness & Response
   * Ergonomics & MSDs
   * Federal / Canada Labour Code
   * Inspections & Investigations
   * Machine Safety & Robotics
   * Material Handling
   * Mental Health & Employee Wellbeing
   * Occupational Hygiene
   * Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
   * Small Businesses
   * Vulnerable Workers
   * Warehouse Ergonomics
   * Warehouse Safety & Racking
   * Winter Safety
   * Working at Heights
 * Toggle submenu for: Hazard
   * Chemicals, Hazardous Materials & WHMIS
   * Heat Stress
   * Impairment / Cannabis
   * Machinery & Tools
   * Motor Vehicles & Powered Mobile
   * Slips, Trips & Falls
   * Violence & Harassment
   * Other (Electrical, Noise, etc.)
 * Toggle submenu for: Industry
   * Agriculture & Horticulture
   * Food & Beverage Manufacturing
   * Food & Beverage Wholesale Distribution
   * Fruit & Vegetable Farmers
   * Greenhouse Growers
   * Manufacturing
   * Services (retail, restaurants, offices, etc.)
   * Temporary Help Agencies
 * Toggle submenu for: Language
   * French
   * Mandarin
   * Punjabi
   * Spanish
   * Tagalog
   * Thai
   * Vietnamese
 * Toggle submenu for: Content Type
   * Articles
   * Case Studies
   * Checklists, Forms & Templates
   * Corporate & Brochures
   * Guides & Toolkits
   * Job Aids
   * Legislation Updates
   * Podcasts
   * Posters & Infographics
   * Safety Checks for Workers
   * Trusted Leader Blog
   * Videos - Small Biz Bytes
   * Videos - Pre-recorded Webinars
   * Videos - Workplace Safety & Leadership
   * Videos - Workplace Safety Tips
   * Videos - WSPS Client & Staff Stories

Open search box
Search sitewide Close search box
Share this Post


SHARE THIS POST

 * Share on facebook
 * Share on twitter
 * Share on linkedin
 * Share on email


SEARCH WSPS.CA

Clear

Search WSPS.CA


View search results by categories and industry

Categories

Lorem Ipsum Training Lorem Ipsum Lorem Ipsum Legislation Lorem Ipsum

Industry

Lorem Ipsum Construction Lorem Ipsum Lorem Ipsum Lorem Ipsum
 1. Home
 2. Articles
 3. Safe lifting: 10 tips and videos of how to lift properly


SAFE LIFTING: 10 TIPS AND VIDEOS OF HOW TO LIFT PROPERLY

Published Date June 15, 2023 Author Victor Korneev



Picture this: A worker squats to the ground to pick up a bag of salt, keeping
their knees bent and back straight. But the bag is too heavy, and the worker
doesn’t have the leg strength to get back up. To compensate, the worker uses
back muscles and the spine to lift, ultimately injuring that vulnerable area.

Incidents like this are common and help explain why WSIB claims for
musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) related to manual materials handling remain at
a very high 28 percent.

So what went wrong? “In this case, the worker had some very basic training to
‘keep your back straight and bend your knees,’ but it wasn’t enough,” says Don
Patten, WSPS Specialized Services Lead (Ergonomics).

“There are eight additional elements involved in a safe lifting technique. In
addition, there are alternative ways to lift besides a squat. This worker needed
training and practice on the full range of elements, as well as knowledge about
when an alternative lift, such as a lunge lift or deadlift, might be more
appropriate and safer.”

Below, Don offers 10 tips for carrying out safe lifts, and provides information
on alternative lifts, with video demonstrations.


10 ELEMENTS TO SAFE LIFTING TECHNIQUE

"We know that using correct postures and movements while lifting minimizes the
stress and load on the spine and other joints," says Don. Here are his 10 tips
for postures and movements, and why they are important.

 1.  Have a stable base of support. "Position feet shoulder-width apart, one
     foot slightly in front of the other. This improves balance and stability
     and prevents the person from falling over or applying weight unevenly on
     their back."
 2.  Hold the load as close to the body as possible. Somewhere between the
     shoulder and waist is ideal. "This helps reduce the strain on the lower
     back which can lead to injury."
 3.  Keep the natural curve in the back. "This way, the mechanical force will be
     distributed more evenly over the spine."
 4.  Bend the knees. "The leg muscles will take the load, not the spine."
 5.  Co-contract stomach and back muscles.  "This puts the person in a good
     lifting position and offers protection to the spine."
 6.  Keep shoulders back. "Rounded shoulders while lifting puts stress on the
     shoulder joints, which can lead to pain in the upper back and neck."
 7.  Stick buttocks out. "This helps to prevent the pelvis from tucking under
     and the back from rounding - postures that will increase the overload on
     the lower back when lifting."  
 8.  Get a good grip on the object. “A loose grip can cause a person to lose
     balance, twist, suffer a strain or be struck by the object."
 9.  Use thigh and buttock muscles to lift. "The movement should be in your
     legs, not your back."   
 10. Breathe, and relax your muscles. "Not breathing during a lift can increase
     intra-abdominal pressure and the potential for injury. Likewise, tense
     muscles make it more difficult to lift because the muscles are already
     working."


OTHER SUGGESTIONS ON SAFE LIFTING  (VIDEOS)

Depending on the weight and size of an object, other types of lifts may provide
better protection to vulnerable back muscles than a squat lift, says Don. These
include the golfer’s lift, the lunge lift, and the deadlift.  

"It's important for workers and supervisors to know what they look like.
However, be aware that they can change when applied in the workplace, so
training is required." 

Note: The videos below are not intended to be used for training purposes. For
training on how to carry out these lifts, and when to use these lifts in the
workplace, see the Resources section at the end of this article.  

Golfer's lift. This lift can be used to pick up a small or light object on the
floor and in a bin. "The same technique a golfer uses on the putting green to
retrieve a ball, this lift allows you to hinge at the hips, so you are
protecting the small of your back"



Lunge lift. A great technique for lifting uneven and heavy loads like sacks and
bags, the lunge lift allows you to get closer to the load and put your hands
underneath it to make the lift easier.  



Deadlift. This advanced lift is like a squat but uses the muscles in your
buttocks and thighs to lift heavy objects.  




HOW WSPS CAN HELP

Consultants

WSPS ergonomics consultants are here to help. Our goal is to provide your
business with practical and personalized consulting and training solutions to
assist with MSD prevention. Our manual materials handling solutions include:
practical and personalized training applying techniques specific to your work
environment, instructing lifting coaches, program development and audits, MSD
risk assessments and MSD hazard identification.

Videos

 * View Don Patten’s full series of 60-second Safety Tips on Safe Lifting and
   Manual Materials Handling

Training

 * Safe Lifting & Manual Materials Handling - Supervisor (1 hour, onsite)
 * Safe Lifting & Manual Materials Handling (2½ - 3 hours, onsite)
 * Manual Materials Handling (1 hour, eCourse)

Other Resources

 * Manual Materials Handling (guide)
 * Job Aid - Manual Material Handling
 * Safety Check - Manual Material Handling (tip sheet)
 * Manual and Mechanical Material Handling (article)
 * MLITSD material handling inspections on now: be prepared (article)
 * MLITSD Initiative: Material Handling in Agriculture (recorded webinar)
 * MLITSD Initiative: Material Handling in Manufacturing (recorded webinar)

 * Previous Article
   
   6 ways to create a more tolerant workplace
   
   A culture of tolerance improves mental health, teamwork, productivity and
   innovation while allowing workplaces to tap into the talents of diverse
   groups of workers.

 * Next Article
   
   How a new free resource can help your business promote psychological safety
   
   How do you reduce the risk of mental harm to your employees? Find out with
   WSPS’s Mental Harm Prevention Roadmap. Get the tools you need to address
   mental health hazards in the workplace.


OTHER TRENDING ARTICLES

Show previous Show next
 * 3 days ago
   
   
   TEMPORARY HELP AGENCIES: NEW ONTARIO LICENSE REQUIRES PROOF OF OHSA
   COMPLIANCE
   
   Beginning July 1, 2024, under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), all
   temporary help agencies and recruiters will require a license to operate in
   Ontario. Here's what you need to know.
   
   Read Article

 * 14 days ago
   
   
   MLITSD OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE INSPECTIONS – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
   
   The MLITSD is conducting two occupational hygiene focused campaigns from
   April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, with inspections beginning July 2, 2024.
   Find answers to your questions using the FAQ.
   
   Read Article

 * 22 days ago
   
   
   2SLGBTQIA+ - ONE ACRONYM, MANY COMMUNITIES: WAYS TO BUILD A WELCOMING
   WORKPLACE CULTURE FOR ALL
   
   Whether your organization is a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion or
   just starting its journey, support Pride month by learning more about
   2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
   
   Read Article

 * 21 days ago
   
   
   RECENT TRAGEDIES PUT THE SPOTLIGHT ON CONVEYOR SAFETY: 5 STEPS YOU SHOULD
   KNOW
   
   Conveyor systems are crucial elements in many operations, but are the hazards
   they present being overlooked? Two recent cases highlight the need for better
   guarding and training.
   
   Read Article

 * about 2 months ago
   
   
   MLITSD MATERIAL HANDLING INSPECTIONS ON NOW: BE PREPARED
   
   Inspectors are currently visiting industrial and agricultural operations as
   part of the MLITSD’s initiative on material handling. Find out how you should
   prepare.
   
   Read Article

 * 20 days ago
   
   
   AMENDMENTS TO HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS REGULATIONS ARE COMING: IS YOUR BUSINESS
   READY?
   
   Follow these steps now to comply with the latest amendments to the Hazardous
   Products Regulations. Don’t leave it to the last minute.
   
   Read Article

 * 23 days ago
   
   
   CANADIAN YOUTH ARE GETTING HURT IN SERVICE INDUSTRY JOBS. WHAT NEEDS TO
   CHANGE? A LOT.
   
   The service sector employs almost 80 per cent of Canada’s workforce and is
   where most young workers start their employment journey. It’s also where the
   majority of injuries to young workers occur.
   
   Read Article

 * 22 days ago
   
   
   NEW MULTI-LANGUAGE RESOURCES HELP RAISE WORKERS’ AWARENESS OF 8 SIGNIFICANT
   HAZARDS
   
   Language barriers make it hard for workplaces to effectively communicate
   safety information to non-English speaking workers. Augment your training
   with new videos and tips from in multiple languages.
   
   Read Article

 * 21 days ago
   
   
   EFFECTIVE LOCKOUT TRAINING: 9 PROVEN WAYS TO GET WORKERS LISTENING AND
   LEARNING
   
   Improper lockout/tagout can result in crushing injuries, burns, amputations
   and even death. Use these tips from Machine and Robot Specialist Michael
   Wilson to make sure your training engages workers.
   
   Read Article

 * 27 days ago
   
   
   MLITSD MATERIAL HANDLING INSPECTIONS - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
   
   The MLITSD is conducting a focused inspection campaign on material handling
   at industrial workplaces running from April 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025. Find
   out answers to your questions using this FAQ.
   
   Read Article

 * 22 days ago
   
   
   HOW A WORKPLACE TRAGEDY INSPIRED ONE FATHER TO COMMIT HIS LIFE TO YOUNG
   WORKER SAFETY
   
   Most people hope for early retirement, but Rob Ellis says he’s on the
   “freedom 93 plan.” He wants to spend his life making sure that what happened
   to his son David, doesn’t happen to anyone else.
   
   Read Article

 * about 2 months ago
   
   
   MATERIAL HANDLING RESOURCES FOR WORKERS, SUPERVISORS AND EMPLOYERS
   
   Material handling is a high-risk hazard impacting many workplaces and workers
   in Ontario. Use these free resources for supervisors, employers and workers
   to make your workplace safer.
   
   Read Article

 * about 1 month ago
   
   
   WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN A MINISTRY INSPECTOR COMES TO YOUR WORKPLACE
   
   If you haven’t experienced a visit from an MLITSD inspector, find out what
   they’re all about and how to be ready for them.
   
   Read Article

 * 2 months ago
   
   
   FREE RESOURCES SIMPLIFY HEALTH AND SAFETY FOR SMALL BUSINESSES
   
   Online training and self-paced eLearning have changed the occupational health
   and safety training landscape. Help your employees become effective online
   learners with these best practices.
   
   Read Article

 * about 1 month ago
   
   
   SHARE WITH YOUR WORKERS: NEW MANUFACTURING SAFETY RESOURCES AVAILABLE IN 6
   LANGUAGES
   
   Share these easy-to-use resources in six different languages with your
   workers to keep them safe and protect your business.
   
   Read Article

 * 2 months ago
   
   
   USE THESE 5 TIPS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF ONLINE LEARNING
   
   Online training and self-paced eLearning have changed the occupational health
   and safety training landscape. Help your employees become effective online
   learners with these best practices.
   
   Read Article

 * about 2 months ago
   
   
   15 TIPS FOR GETTING SAFETY MESSAGES ACROSS TO YOUNG WORKERS THIS SUMMER
   
   Stats show that young workers are more likely to get injured or killed at
   work compared to their more experienced coworkers. Here are 15 things to
   consider when training young workers this summer.
   
   Read Article

 * about 2 months ago
   
   
   SPRING SAFETY: BE PREPARED FOR THESE 5 SEASONAL HAZARDS
   
   Spring may seem tame but it is not a hazard-free season. Here’s what your
   outdoor employees and those who drive for work need to know to stay safe.
   
   Read Article

 * about 1 month ago
   
   
   ARE YOUR WORKERS EXPOSED TO DANGEROUS DESIGNATED SUBSTANCES? HERE’S HOW TO
   FIND OUT.
   
   Designated substances pose such extreme health hazards to workers, that they
   have their own regulation under the OHSA. But there is a gap in awareness of
   the regulation among employers.
   
   Read Article

 * about 11 hours ago
   
   
   HOW TO IDENTIFY AND PREVENT REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURIES
   
   RSIs (or MSDs), make up almost 40% of all WSIB claims. Do your employees know
   how to recognize the hazards that can lead to these injuries? Are you making
   efforts to reduce their risk?
   
   Read Article

Return to Home
© Workplace Safety And Prevention Services
Home How We Help Health & Safety: Resources & Tools Your Roles &
Responsibilities Training & Events News & Updates
Contact Us Policies Help Centre Working at WSPS

Call us: 1 877 494 WSPS (9777)

Subscribe to our newsletter to get helpful health and safety tips delivered to
your inbox.
Subscribe

Stay connected:



© Workplace Safety & Prevention Services. All Rights Reserved

Feedback