Lifting Heavy Objects during Your Move
Most household injuries occur when we are unaware of proper safety precautions for certain jobs and activities. Injuries can occur when we are trying to fix electrical, plumbing or structural damage. Injuries can also occur when moving in and out of property due to a lack of knowledge in lifting techniques and proper support of heavy objects. Below is a short list of safety precautions you should be aware of before you start your international or domestic move to help ensure the safety of you and your family.
Lift with Your Legs – Most people outside of professional moving and weightlifting aren’t aware how important it is to lift heavy objects with the leg muscles and not the back. This means bending down at the knee and using the quadriceps and hamstrings to lift. Lifting at the back can cause serious injury.
Use Padding – Use regular or furniture blankets to protect the exposed edges of any piece of heavy furniture you are moving. This has the double effect of protecting the item itself and protecting the lifters from injury should the item become loose or move in unpredictable ways.
Belts and Gloves – Wear any or all protective gear if the situation calls for it. It’s a good idea to use a weight lifting belt when carrying heavy objects to encourage correct lifting techniques. It’s also a good idea to use gloves in order to protect from splinters or other sharp objects that may be coming out of appliances or furniture.
Dollies – When conducting a domestic or international relocation it’s a good idea to use all tools at your disposal. This includes things like dollies, which will greatly decrease the amount of muscle work needed to be used by human labor. There are lots of different dollies on the market for different types of lifting situations.
Tags: Domestic Relocation, International Relocation, Moving Tips