Don’t pull a tendon or break your back, moving heavy items can be very dangerous when it isn’t done safely, and these are things that are very easily done. If you’re moving heavy things at work, you should be given the correct health and safety training to make sure that you don’t injure yourself. If you’re having to move stuff at home, then you might not even know that you could hurt yourself until it’s too late.
With this in mind, this piece is going to take a look at some tips on how you can move heavy objects safely. Let’s get into it.
1) Assess the Object and Route
Before you go anywhere or lift anything, it’s important that you assess the weight of the object and where you’ll be taking it. Don’t just pick it up and hope that you’ll make it. Clear any obstacles that could be in your way and prevent you from putting your item down if you need a break.
Also make sure there’s enough space to maneuver if you need to; sometimes you’ll need to change pace or direction for an unforeseen circumstance, just don’t get injured because of it!
2) Use Proper Lifting Techniques
Proper lifting techniques are essential for preventing injuries. Always lift through your legs and use their power. Don’t bend your back, bend your knees! Make sure to keep your back as straight as possible. Much like when you’re doing a squat, to lift an object, you need to drive through your thighs to avoid injuring your knees, too.
3) Get Help
Struggling on your own if you can’t manage will only result in frustration at best, and at worst, you could break something or slip a disc. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, two pairs of hands are often better than one when it comes to this kind of thing and remember to take breaks whenever you need to.
If you’re not able to lift anything at all, this is where professional help can really come into its own. If you’re planning on moving objects a fair distance, i.e., to another building and not just to the other side of the room, it can be worth looking into moving companies such as Shiply. They’ve been trained properly and will take all the hassle out of the job for you.
4) Protect Flooring and Surfaces
When you have a particularly heavy object, it can be very easy to scratch, dent, and scuff other surfaces and items when moving it. Taking measures to prevent this in case there’s a drop or a hard landing can help to keep everything scratch and scuff-free. Use helpful little tools such as furniture sliders, cardboard, and blankets to keep everything protected.
So, there you have it! Four top tips for moving heavy objects safely. Remember to always use protective foot gear to keep your toes intact, and make sure that you have a solid grip on whatever you’re moving before you begin your journey.
