• Plan the lift — check the weight, route, and destination before picking anything up.
• Use mechanical aids such as trolleys, pallet trucks, or vacuum lifters wherever possible.
• Bend your knees, keep a straight back, and hold the load close to your body.
• Get help or use a team lift for loads that are heavy, awkward, or bulky.
• Clear the route of obstructions, trip hazards, and uneven surfaces before carrying.
• Take regular breaks during repetitive or prolonged manual handling tasks.
• Report any back pain, muscle strain, or injury to your supervisor promptly.
• Rotate tasks where possible to avoid sustained or repetitive manual handling.
• Wear suitable gloves to improve grip and protect hands from sharp edges.
• Store heavy items at waist height to reduce bending and reaching during handling.

• DON'T lift without planning the route, weight, and grip first.
• DON'T carry heavy loads manually when a mechanical aid is available on site.
• DON'T bend from the waist or twist your body while lifting or carrying.
• DON'T attempt to lift loads that are clearly too heavy for one person alone.
• DON'T carry loads over cluttered, wet, or uneven ground without clearing a path.
• DON'T push through fatigue — tired muscles increase the risk of injury significantly.
• DON'T ignore early signs of strain — report and seek advice before damage worsens.
• DON'T perform the same lifting movement repeatedly without taking rest breaks.
• DON'T handle loads with sharp edges or rough surfaces without proper gloves.
• DON'T store heavy materials on the floor or above shoulder height unnecessarily.

See also: Correct Lifting Technique | Team Lifting & Mechanical Aids