How To Lift Boxes Without Hurting Yourself

Always lift from the knees...

The most common injuries people receive in the workplace and at home are always to do with the back. Your back is a key part of your body as you use the many muscles in it for just about every movement, so when it gets damaged you will really notice. A back injury can be seriously debilitating and can lead on to further health issues, so it is really important to avoid hurting it if you can.

One of the most common ways people hurt their backs is by failing to lift something heavy like a box the correct way. Lifting the wrong way can put enough strain on your back that you can pull or even tear a muscle and that's when it really hurts.

So how do you lift a box without hurting yourself?

Check It Before Hand

Before you even attempt to lift the box you need to take a moment to check that it isn't going to be too heavy. Try pushing the box with your hand. If you have to use a lot of strength to move it then it is possibly just too heavy and you should get help. If it isn't too heavy, you should also check to see that the box is held together properly and that nothing is going to fall out the top, bottom or sides, as this may cause you lose balance.

Stretch

You may feel a bit silly doing it but to help prepare your body for lifting heavy objects it is best to stretch off first. Stretch your neck, back, arms, shoulders and your legs to cover all bases.

Where to Lift It

Find where the best place is to grip the box or whatever type of packaging supplies you are lifting. Handles or proper holes in the side of cardboard boxes are ideal, but if it is a solid cube try to make sure you can fit your arms all the way round it. If you can't, get someone to help you. If you can get your arms round it, position one hand on the far corner and the other on the near side of the other side.

Lift it Slowly

When you have a good grip, get as close to cardboard box as you can and hold it tight to your body. Also, get as low as you can so that you are not leaning over the box. Now you are ready to lift. Do so by keeping your back straight and lifting with your knees. Don't be tempted to arch your back or to twist while lifting and keep your back straight the whole time you have it in your hands.

Reverse this process for putting it down and hey presto! a safely lifted and put down box with no damage done to your precious back.

Sam Qam is a removal expert. He has moved over a million cardboard boxes in his time and has developed an acute obsession with bubble wrap and other packaging supplies.

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