Bend and lift with awareness

Steven Weiniger

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, lifting heavy objects is a leading cause of injuries in the workplace. Over 36 percent of injuries involving missed workdays in 2001 were the result of shoulder and back injuries. Overexertion and cumulative trauma were the biggest factors in these injuries.

Protect yourself from injury by being aware and following these simple guidelines.

Bending down or lifting up, pay attention to keeping your head over your feet (not forward of your feet.  Keep your pelvis and torso as close to the center of where you’re standing as possible to maximize stability and minimize damaging stress or strain.

Imagine a center-line coming up from between your feet.  Then, from the ground up, focus on stacking each PostureZone.

Feet and Lower Extremity

• Plant feet shoulder width apart. Shoes make a big difference
• Bend your knees
• Lift with leg power, and…

Pelvis

• Tuck your pelvis to engage your core
• Carry close to your center, as you

Torso

• Try to keep your back straight. Avoid hunching over
• Shoulders back & down
• Get a good grip, and….

Head

• Look straight ahead. Your nose should follow your toes.
• Align head over shoulders

Practice bending and lifting to train new habits.   

Keeping your body alignment in mind, create better bending and lifting habits by practicing with good form several times. Remember to connect with your core, keep the object close and align each PostureZone.

Article from Posture Month