Safe Material Handling – Lifting Force Dynamics

All employees should be aware of the physical principles involved in lifting objects manually.  In this diagram you will see that the figure which has outstretched (hyper or over – extended) arms lifting the 40 pound object has to exert a greater amount of force in order to lift the object.  Lifting at this angle also exerts a considerable amount of force onto the lower spine and back muscles.

The other figure is depicting the object being lifted while holding it closer to the center of the body, requiring less effort and less pressure placed on the lower back and spine.  Reaching out makes the 40Lb object feel like 80Lbs. 

Lesson:  When lifting objects, the least injury potential is realized when the objects lifted are done so while positioned close to the center mass of the body.

This material handling best practice causes less strain on the lower back, arms and joints; the object lifted does not feel heavier than it actually is and it contributes to reducing fatigue over the course of the workday.     

Look to make lifting objects more efficient and less stressful.