SMART lifting
WH&S work management have created 5 steps to assure safety of moving heavy objects.
Size up the load
Move the load close to your body as possible
Always bend your knees.
Raise the load with your legs.
Turn your feet in the direction that you want to move the load.
Size up the load
- Assess the load (size, shape and weight);
- Assess whether the load needs to be moved;
- Where is it going to be placed” Check that there are no obstructions;
- Assess whether mechanical or human assistance is required.
Move the load close to your body as possible
- A load is heavier to lift or carry if it is not close to the body.
- The whole hand should be used to ensure a firm grip.
Always bend your knees.
- Maintain balance.
- Keep feet apart and in a comfortable position.
- Minimise lower back bending.
- Bend knees preferable at as large an angle as possible but not at a right angleuse
Raise the load with your legs.
- Achieve the lift smoothly and without jerkiness.
- Maintain the normal curvature of the spine to allow the force of the load to be
Turn your feet in the direction that you want to move the load.
- Avoid unnecessary bending, twisting and reaching.
- Change direction by turning your feet and not your back.
- To set the load down, squat down, keep your head up and let your legs do the
National code of practice for manual handling, is used to give a detailed explanation on how to safely lift and move object. This manual is made available for future references and will be referred to throughout the lesson. so please make yourself familiar with the lifting techniques.
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