According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than one million workers experience back injuries every year, making up one in five workplace injuries. Even more alarming, 75% of these happen while lifting, with the lower back taking the biggest hit. Yikes… These statistics make one thing clear: extra precautions are essential when handling everyday large objects like restrooms, sinks, and the heavy equipment used in our line of work.
Plan Ahead
When it comes to lifting heavy objects, a little planning goes a long way. Before lifting anything, check your path and surroundings to ensure the ground is level and free of tripping hazards. It’s important that you know exactly where the object is going before you move it and have proper footwear with stable footing before lifting.
Loosen Up to Lift
With the path checked, we’ll get our muscles warmed up with a few quick stretches. Standing back arches, shoulder blade squeezes, and even a lower trunk rotation are simple moves that can help you work stronger and safer all day.
To perform a standing back arch, stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart and place your palms on your lower back. Take a few slow, deep breaths to relax. Keeping your knees straight, gently bend your upper body backward and support your back with your hands. Hold for five seconds, then slowly return to the starting position. Repeat 4–5 times.
To perform a shoulder blade squeeze, stand tall with good posture and slowly pull your shoulder blades together. Hold the squeeze for five seconds, then relax. Repeat 4–5 times as needed.
To perform a lower trunk rotation, plant your hips square, stand tall, and lace your hands behind your head. Now, twist your upper body to the left, slowly, with confidence, and hold that pose for a solid 5 to 10 seconds. Swing it over to the right and hold again. Repeat as needed—and don’t be shy about mixing in other stretches throughout your day. Remember, stretching helps prepare your body, but proper lifting technique and mechanical assistance are still essential.
Lift Smarter, Not Harder
Now that we’re stretched and the route is planned, it’s time to lift. No matter the size or weight, proper lifting is about more than just bending your knees. Always lift with your legs, not your back. Stand close to the object, bend your knees, and keep your upper body upright so your legs do the heavy lifting.
Before lifting, make sure the load is stable and that you have a secure grip. If it shifts or feels unbalanced, reposition it before lifting. Then hinge at the hips, engage your core, and straighten your spine as you lift.
Fact: Your shoulder relies on four small, strap-like muscles and thin tendons to stay stable, not to lift heavy loads. When you lift incorrectly or awkwardly, those muscles take on stress they aren’t built for. That’s why lifting with an engaged core is essential for strength and injury prevention.
Avoid lifting or placing loads above shoulder height whenever possible. In situations like this always use mechanical assistance instead.
When you’re dealing with a beast of a load, don’t try to be a Hulk, let the machines do the heavy lifting. Grab a handcart or a forklift and save your back for better things.
Proper Handcart Use
Push, don’t pull, that’s the golden rule for handcarts. Pushing protects your back, even if it feels odd at first. Keep a solid grip and check your surroundings by glancing side to side. Let your feet steer, lead with your hips, and keep your shoulders in line, no twisting! If you lose balance or grip, don’t play hero. Just let the load go.
Loading with Control
When loading a restroom, center it on your truck or trailer. This gives you space on both sides and keeps things snag-free. You’ll also need to align the notch on the bottom of the restroom skid with the deck’s edge to help with hoisting.
At this point, the restroom will be tilted at roughly a 45-degree angle, supported by the vehicle and handcart. Grab the unit with both hands and lower your center of gravity to stay balanced. Push forward and upward at the same time, using steady, controlled momentum to clear the deck without tipping. Once loaded, secure the unit with straps for transport.
Lower With Control
When setting an object down, bend your knees and let your legs do the work. Lower it slowly, don’t rush or drop it. Sudden moves can hurt your back, even on the way down. If you lose control, just let go. Once you’re done, take a quick breather before your next move.
Proper Unloading Procedure:
When unloading a restroom, slide it to the nearest exit with the door facing in. Make sure the area is clear without obstacles or nearby traffic. At the edge, step back a couple of feet and keep your toes out of harm’s way. Grip the sides, tip it gently until it touches down, then use a handcart to move it safely.
Lift Smart, Stay Safe
To wrap things up, always avoid reaching, twisting, or turning while lifting, carrying, or lowering a load. Use mechanical assistance whenever you can, and if a load starts to fall, let it go. And remember, asking for help isn’t a weakness. It’s one of the best ways to protect your back and avoid a serious injury.