Lifting and carrying are routine tasks in public works, but improper technique is a major cause of back injuries, strains, sprains, and long term musculoskeletal issues. Crews regularly handle tools, bags of salt, traffic cones, signs, debris, and equipment parts. This guide teaches how to lift safely, when to ask for help, and how to use mechanical aids to reduce injury risk.
By the end of this training, workers should be able to:
• Identify common lifting hazards and risk factors.
• Use proper lifting posture and body mechanics.
• Know when to use team lifts or mechanical equipment.
• Plan lifts in advance to avoid awkward movements.
• Recognize early signs of strain and stop before injury occurs.
• Boxes or weighted objects for demonstration
• Hand truck, dolly, or cart
• Sample traffic cones, salt bags, or sign posts
• PPE such as gloves and steel toe boots
• Handout showing proper lifting steps
"Good morning everyone. Today we are going to review safe lifting techniques. Back injuries are some of the most common injuries in public works, and many of them happen because people lift too much or lift the wrong way. A few simple steps can protect your back and help you work safely. We will walk through how to lift properly, when to ask for help, and how to use tools that reduce strain."
• Bending or twisting while lifting
• Lifting loads that are too heavy or awkward
• Poor footing or slippery surfaces
• Repetitive lifting throughout the day
• Carrying loads that block vision
• Failing to use mechanical aids or team assistance
• Rushing or lifting without planning
Assess the load. Determine the weight, shape, and stability before lifting. Test the load by pushing it slightly.
Plan your route. Remove tripping hazards and ensure you have a clear path to the destination.
Use proper posture. Keep your feet shoulder width apart and get as close to the load as possible.
Lift with your legs, not your back. Bend at the knees, keep your back straight, and tighten your core.
Keep the load close. Holding objects away from your body increases strain on the lower back.
Avoid twisting. Turn your feet and whole body instead of rotating at the waist.
Lift smoothly. Do not jerk or rush the movement.
Use mechanical aids. Dollies, carts, forklifts, skid steers, and lift tables should be used whenever available.
Request a team lift. If an object is heavy, long, or awkward, two or more workers should lift together.
Set the load down safely. Keep your back straight, bend your knees, and lower the load under control.
Know your limits. Stop immediately if you feel pain, strain, or discomfort.
• Demonstrate proper lifting posture with a small box.
• Show the difference between lifting with the legs versus lifting with the back.
• Demonstrate a team lift with clear communication.
• Show how to use a dolly or cart correctly.
• Demonstrate lowering a load safely.
• Have each worker demonstrate a proper lift with a lightweight item.
• Present several objects and ask the crew to choose whether to lift alone, team lift, or use equipment.
• Ask workers to identify lifting hazards around the shop or yard.
• Practice team lifting while communicating movements such as up, down, left, or right.
• What types of loads do you lift most often in your job?
• When should a team lift be used?
• What are signs that a load is too heavy or unsafe to lift alone?
• How can we better use mechanical aids in our daily tasks?
• What does it feel like when your body is lifting incorrectly?
Insert your agency policies on material handling, mechanical aid use, maximum weight limits, required training for forklifts or loaders, and incident reporting procedures.
• Steel toe boots with good traction
• Work gloves for grip and protection
• Back support belts if required by agency policy
• High visibility vest when lifting near vehicle or equipment traffic
• Weather appropriate clothing for outdoor lifting tasks
• Assess the load and plan the lift.
• Use leg strength and keep your back straight.
• Hold loads close and avoid twisting movements.
• Use team lifts and mechanical aids when needed.
• Stop if you feel strain and report hazards.
What body part should do the majority of the lifting work?
a. Back
b. Legs
c. Arms
True or False: Twisting at the waist while carrying a load is safe if the load is light.
When should you ask for a team lift?
(Short answer)
Why is keeping the load close to your body important?
(Short answer)
Which tool can help reduce lifting strain?
a. Dolly
b. Hammer
c. Paint roller
Thank you to our primary sponsor, Roadwurx, which is a simple asset management platform for small public works and road departments.