Briefly lifted and it happens – RAISED – the pain in the back is pre-programmed. Parcel delivery companies, furniture companies and clearance companies are familiar with this problem, but it is also an ongoing issue on the construction site. According to the BG ETEM employers' liability insurance association, about 80% of canteens in Germany suffer from back pain all the time or at least temporarily. One of the main causes of back problems is the incorrect lifting and carrying of heavy loads. If you don't pay attention for a moment and you've twisted or overdone. Because you can do a lot wrong when lifting and carrying heavy loads.
To prevent back problems when lifting and carrying, you should follow our tips below. This not only makes work easier, but also safer and healthier. Because if you lift and carry incorrectly, or push or pull, not only muscles can tense, but also the lower back can be overloaded. Pain is therefore the most common result.
Lifting loads correctly
In order to lift heavy loads properly, it is important to prepare for them. The entire body should be straightened up in this way. After tensing the trunk muscles, the upper body is stabilized and the spine is relieved. So use your buttocks and abdomen well to protect your back. If you now use your breathing fluently, you can lift the load more easily.
IMPORTANT: Once the load is lifted, it is important to always stay upright and straight.
Lifting loads correctly
But how are you supposed to stay straight when the burden is so heavy? Quite simply: get as close as possible to the load. Then squat down and keep your back straight. Grasp the object and lift the load from the knees with the entire body. If the load is to be turned off again, simply squat down slowly again and only put the load down at the very end.
Carrying loads correctly
If you distribute the weight of your load correctly, it will be easier to carry it. Since the position is also the center of the body, the load should be carried as close to the body as possible. Ideally, the load is balanced in such a way that it uses both sides of the body equally. If this is not possible, you should switch between the sides of the body.
NOTE: Two lightweight bags are safer to carry than one heavy bag.
A good tool for carrying heavy loads is the back support belt. The wide, semi-elastic belts are available in different designs, for example with and without suspenders. These practical belts support the abdominal and back muscles almost unnoticed and can thus prevent and prevent discomfort and pain. We have already reported in detail in this article: "Prevent pain".
Transfer loads correctly
Quickly turned to hand over the load and already twisted. It is important, especially when handing over heavy loads, that you do this consciously and with your whole body. The entire body should rotate in this way, not just the upper body. If you have handed over the load, you should also allow yourself small breaks between the next work so as not to overload your back.
The right footwear
When carrying loads, the right footwear is not only advisable, but necessary. High heels, crooked and worn soles or even slippers are a "no go". Not only is danger approaching here, but it also does not comply with the prescribed occupational health and safety. For a secure stand and the correct carrying of heavy loads, protective work shoes with non-slip and stable outsoles should be used. For example, some shoes reduce the vibrations for the spine when walking due to their special sole alone. An example of this is the Infinergy® sole from the Italian shoe manufacturer U-Power. The Infinergy® sole offers exceptionally good cushioning and thus relieves the back and joints.
General and simply explained
Lift
- Can the load be lifted for one person?
- Get close to the load
- Position your feet to the left and right of it
- Bend your knees to a maximum of 90 degrees
- Keep your back straight
- Push the buttocks slightly back
- Lifting a load close to the body
- Avoid jerky movements
- The discontinuation takes place in reverse order
Carry
- Maintain an upright posture
- Avoid hollow back at all costs
- Carrying a load close to your body
- Avoid one-sided strain
- Distribute multiple loads evenly
- Use risers if possible
- Schedule breaks between the next load
Occupational safety products suitable for the topic, such as back support belts, carrying belts and occupational safety shoes can be found at our partner shop www.omniprotect.de.