Look Before You Lift

Making the wrong move when you lift an object can cause a painful back injury — and not only when you handle heavy items. Lifting awkward or bulky objects, or lifting from the wrong position, can cause you problems.

Before you lift something, look it over. Determine its weight by looking at the label or by lifting a corner to test it. Look for a good spot to grip the object, by the handles if possible, or another secure place. Wearing gloves will not only protect your hands but likely will give you a better grip.

To lift something manually, here's how:

• Bend your knees.
• Keep your back straight.
• Get as close to the item as possible.

Back injuries can happen anywhere, whether lifting a bag of cement or a box of printer paper. Many lifting injuries have occurred in offices. You should wait until a maintenance crew or a contractor arrives with furniture handcarts or other equipment instead of trying to move the copier, big desks or file cabinets yourself.