Learning Hub › Warehouse Safety Essentials › Module 2 · Protect yourself
Lesson 4: Manual handling and lifting
Back injuries are the most common lost-time injury in our network. Almost all of them come from lifting the wrong way, not from lifting something heavy.
Limits
- Single-person lift: up to 18 kg from waist height, 12 kg from floor or above shoulder.
- Two-person lift: up to 32 kg, with one person calling the count.
- Above 32 kg or awkward shapes: pallet jack, trolley or lift-assist. No exceptions.
The lift
- Plan the route. Where will you put it down? Is the path clear?
- Stand close, feet shoulder-width apart, one foot slightly forward.
- Bend your knees and hips, keep your back straight, chin up.
- Grip with the whole hand, not the fingertips.
- Lift smoothly with your legs. Keep the load close to your body.
- Turn with your feet, never twist your spine.
- Lower by bending knees and hips again.
Pushing beats pulling
When moving a trolley or roll cage, push it so you can see ahead and use your body weight. Pulling loads the lower back and hides what is in front of you.
Ask for helpAsking a colleague for a two-person lift is a sign of good judgement, not weakness. Nobody will question it.
Recap
You have completed lesson 4 of 8. Continue to the next lesson to keep your progress.