The hazard
We lift, carry, push and pull materials by hand all day. One bad lift can strain your back, and a dropped load can crush fingers or toes. Even light loads add up when you move them all shift with poor technique. Planning the move takes a moment and can save you a lot of pain.
The action
Use carts, dollies, hand trucks, pallet jacks or hoists whenever you can, and let the equipment take the weight. Run powered equipment such as a forklift only if you are trained and authorized. If a load is too heavy or awkward for one person, get a partner. For a team lift, pick one leader who calls the lift so everyone lifts and sets down together.
ASK THE CREW
Where are the carts, dollies and hoists, and what keeps us from using them?
From the talk: Safe lifting and manual handling. Read it in full, free, with the questions and the sign-in sheet.