Load of Rubbish protects the safety of our workers when moving larger items like this organ, by using moving straps

Safe Lifting Techniques

Have you ever helped a friend move? It’s one thing to pick up a small box or garbage bag full of clothes, but when you get into heavier items it can be a pain. Literally. For your back anyway, if you don’t use proper lifting techniques.

Load of Rubbish understands the value of proper lifting techniques. We enter people’s homes ever day to remove old couches, tables, televisions, fridges, organs, and so much more. One of the reasons why people contact us, is so that they don’t have to move these heavy items themselves. Even with help, some people are just not able to manage it.

The trick is to lift safely.

Lifting heavy articles can be a challenge. If you need help lifting something, get it!

• For starters, you need to know the weight of the object you plan on lifting. Can you safely lift it yourself? Does it require others to help? Lifting any item beyond your means can strain your lower back or worse.
• Where do you need to move the object to? Do you have to go up or down stairs? Lift it over a lip or into a truck? It is always best to plan out a route before you attempt to move an object.
• Once you have figured out if you can move the object yourself or not, and what your route is, warm up your back. You warm-up before a workout, and lifting some objects can be a workout in itself. Do some simple stretches to loosen up your muscles and reduce the risk of strain to your back.

Use proper lifting techniques when carrying heavy items to reduce strain on your back. Bend those knees!

Body positioning is a big part of safe lifting techniques as well.

• bend your knees
• plant your feet approximately shoulder-width apart with the load between them
• get a firm grip on the load
• slowly lift, keeping the object close to your body
• use your thighs and leg muscles versus your back to avoid strain
• make sure you can see where you are going
• never twist your back while you are carrying a load
• lower the item safely into place

Other things to consider.

Moving straps are easily adjustable for anyone, regardless of sex, height or weight

• wear proper footwear and clothing for the job; non-slip shoes, gloves, comfortable clothing around the hips, knees & shoulders, avoid clothing with buttons or flaps that might get caught in the item your are lifting
• when lifting with someone, work together to lift and lower at the same time and match your strides
• use safety gear as necessary;
  • Load of Rubbish uses moving straps to distribute the load between two people
  • other mechanical gear can help to reduce back strain, like push carts, lift trucks, hoists and trolleys

Load of Rubbish takes our worker’s safety seriously. All of our crew are covered under Workplace Safety and Insurance Board’s (WSIB) policies. We also carry full liability insurance to protect our customers and ourselves. When it comes to lifting, we take the strain out of the job. It’s all in our safe lifting techniques!