Protect Your Back if You Are Moving House
Moving house can be an exciting yet challenging experience, especially when you’re doing it yourself (tch! Get in Touch with Us and save your back). One of the most crucial aspects of a successful Perth-based DIY move is knowing safe lifting techniques to help you handle items safely. That’s what this is about. Essential tips and techniques to protect your back and move your belongings without involving a hospital or physiotherapist.
Understand the Risks
Before we dive into the techniques, it’s important to understand why safe lifting is so crucial. According to WorkSafe Queensland, hazardous manual tasks are a leading cause of workplace injuries. While you might not be in a workplace during your move, the same principles apply. Improper lifting can lead to:
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Back injuries
- Shoulder and neck pain
- Long-term musculoskeletal disorders
Prepare Your Body
Before you start lifting, it’s essential to prepare your body:
- Warm up: Spend 5-10 minutes doing light stretches to loosen your muscles.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the moving process.
- Wear appropriate clothing: Choose comfortable, non-restrictive clothes and supportive shoes.
The CLEAR Approach to Safe Lifting
When it comes to lifting, remember the CLEAR approach:
- Close: Keep the load close to your body
- Legs: Use your leg muscles, not your back
- Evaluate: Assess the weight before lifting
- Avoid twisting: Turn your feet, not your waist
- Ready position: Keep a wide base of support
Read: Tips for a Smooth Move
Step-by-Step Safe Lifting Technique
- Plan your lift: Know where you’re going and clear the path.
- Position yourself close to the object.
- Adopt a stable position with feet shoulder-width apart.
- Bend your knees and hips, not your back.
- Get a good grip on the object.
- Tighten your core muscles.
- Lift smoothly using your leg muscles.
- Keep the load close to your body.
- Avoid twisting your body while carrying.
- Set the load down using the same principles as lifting.
Know Your Limits
While there’s no legal weight limit or guide for safe lifting in Australia, it’s crucial to know your personal limits. As a general guideline:
- For standing lifts, aim to keep loads between 16-25kg.
- For loads over 16kg, consider a team lift or using mechanical aids.
- Avoid lifting above shoulder height to prevent back and shoulder injuries.
Read: Reasons Why We Think You Should Hire Professional Movers
Use Mechanical Aids
Don’t hesitate to use tools and equipment to make your move safer:
- Trolleys and hand trucks for heavy items
- Furniture sliders for large pieces
- Safe lifting straps to distribute weight more evenly
Team Lifting
For heavier items, team lifting is essential:
- Choose a partner of similar height and strength.
- Communicate clearly about the lift plan.
- Lift and lower in unison.
- Use countdown signals to coordinate your movements.
Remember, there’s no shame in asking for help. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Listen to Your Body
Pay attention to warning signs like sharp pains, persistent aches, numbness or tightness.
Final Thoughts
By following these safe lifting techniques, you can significantly reduce your risk of injury during your DIY move. Remember, your health is more important than any possession you’re moving. When in doubt, err on the side of caution.
Moving doesn’t have to be a pain in the back. With proper technique and a bit of planning, you can make your DIY move a safe and successful experience. Happy moving!
