Manual Lifting and Material Handling
The Problem
Manual lifting and material handling are among the most common tasks on Canadian worksites, yet improper lifting techniques cause countless injuries every year. Back strains, sprains, and musculoskeletal disorders can have lasting impacts on your health and your ability to work. Today, we’ll discuss how to lift safely, when to use mechanical aids, and how team lifting can prevent injuries while staying compliant with Canadian occupational health and safety guidelines.
Identify the Hazards
- Overexertion: Lifting loads that are too heavy or awkward.
- Improper Technique: Bending at the waist, twisting, or using poor hand grips.
- Unstable Loads: Oversized, unbalanced, or shifting loads.
- Team Lift Failures: Poor communication or lack of coordination during team lifts.
- Failure to Use Aids: Ignoring available mechanical lifting equipment.
Safety Practices and Preventative Measures
Proper Lifting Techniques
- Body Positioning:
- Keep feet shoulder-width apart for stability.
- Bend at your knees and hips, not your back.
- Keep your back straight and maintain its natural curve.
- Hold the load close to your body.
- Avoid twisting—pivot your whole body instead.
- Weight Assessment:
- Test the weight before lifting.
- Know your limits—anything over 20–25 kg should involve help or a mechanical aid.
- Consider load size, shape, and balance.
- Movement Planning:
- Clear the path of obstacles and tripping hazards.
- Plan the route, identify rest points, and ensure the area is well-lit.
Use of Mechanical Aids
- Equipment Selection:
- Use trolleys, hoists, pallet jacks, or forklifts for heavy or awkward loads.
- Ensure the lifting equipment is rated for the load.
- Inspection:
- Check equipment before use for damage or faults.
- Inspect wheels, brakes, handles, and load restraints.
- Training and Operation:
- Only trained workers should operate lifting equipment.
- Never exceed load limits.
Team Lifting
- Communication:
- Use clear instructions—assign a leader and agree on timing.
- Count down together to lift in unison.
- Coordination:
- Practice if needed and match pace to the slowest team member.
- Ensure workers are of similar height or adjust positions accordingly.
- Weight Distribution:
- Ensure the load is balanced.
- Rotate roles to reduce fatigue during repetitive tasks.
Real-Life Case or Scenario
A worker on a construction site attempted to lift a 40 kg beam alone without checking the weight or asking for help. They twisted awkwardly and suffered a herniated disc, resulting in weeks off work and ongoing back pain. This incident could have been avoided with a mechanical aid or team lift.
Employee Responsibilities
- Always use safe lifting techniques.
- Assess the load before lifting.
- Use mechanical aids and check they’re in good condition.
- Communicate clearly during team lifts.
- Report unsafe practices or damaged gear immediately.
Employer Responsibilities
- Provide training on safe lifting techniques and equipment use.
- Supply and maintain mechanical lifting aids.
- Assess tasks for lifting risks and implement controls.
Discussion & Questions
- "Have you seen lifting injuries that could have been avoided?"
- "Do you know how to use the mechanical lifting aids on site?"
- "Are there jobs where we need better lifting support or teamwork?"
Encourage staff to share and discuss improvements.
Commitment/Action Plan
From today, let’s commit to assessing every lift, using the correct lifting gear, and asking for help when needed. No load is worth a lifetime injury.
Wrap-Up
Manual handling injuries are preventable. Whether it’s lifting with the right posture, using the right equipment, or working as a team, taking a few extra moments can protect your long-term health. Let’s work together and lift smart—thank you for putting safety first.
Standards Overview
- Under the Canada Labour Code and provincial occupational health and safety regulations, employers must ensure risks associated with manual handling are eliminated or minimised.
- Workers must be trained in safe lifting practices.
- Engineering and administrative controls (e.g., team lifting, mechanical aids) must be used where possible.
- Manual tasks must be risk assessed, and control measures reviewed regularly.
Disclaimer
“The information provided in this toolbox talk is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional legal, safety, or regulatory advice. The content reflects general best practices and industry standards but may not be applicable to all workplace environments or jurisdictions.
It is the responsibility of employers, supervisors, and workers to ensure compliance with applicable federal, provincial, and territorial laws, regulations, and standards, including but not limited to those set by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) and relevant provincial occupational health and safety authorities. Site App Pro, its affiliates, agents, or representatives—as well as the authors, presenters, and distributors of this toolbox talk—assume no liability for the use or application of the information provided.
Participants are strongly encouraged to consult appropriate legal, safety, or regulatory professionals regarding specific workplace concerns or questions. Always adhere to your organisation’s policies and procedures for health and safety and hazard management.
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