Most people are familiar with the safe way to lift—bending your knees, hugging the load and letting the strong muscle in your legs do the actual lifting.  While this is the standard way to lift, many times in our day-to-day working environment, this just isn’t practical.  Here are some tips when lifting awkward loads.

Overhead Loads. 

If you have to lift an object that’s above shoulder-level, use a stepstool or ladder to avoid over-reaching.  Test the weight of the load before removing it.  If it is within a weight capacity that you can safely lift, slide it toward you and hug it close to your body as you descent.  If possible, hand it down to a coworker.

Odd-Sized Loads.

Long objects that are relatively light can be awkward to lift and carry.  When lifting and carrying pipes, lumber, or other long, light loads, don’t hug the load close to your body.  Support it on your shoulder, keeping the front end higher than the rear.

Some over-sized loads may be light enough to carry, but can block your vision.  In this case, use mechanical means or request help from a coworker.

If the load is long or heavy enough to require two people, each of you should lift it on the same side and keep the object level.  Keep in step while walking.

Reaching Into a Bin.

The standard lift is impossible when trying to lift into a bin, container or other storage area.  To lift in this situation, stand with your feet at shoulder distance apart, slightly bend your knees and start to squat, bending at your hips not your waist (similar to movement made when sitting in a chair).  Slide the load as close to your bo