How to Lift Properly

If you own or work in a house cleaning business, you no doubt do your fair share of lifting. When you lift properly, you not only make the task you're working on easier, but you'll avoid injury as well.

Use the following general rules for lifting safely:

• Stand close to the item you're going to lift with your feet slightly apart for balance.
• Squat down to pick up the object by bending at the knees.
• Grasp the object firmly, holding it close to your body.
• Lift with your legs and don't twist your torso.
• Keep your body facing forward when lifting, carrying, and setting down the object.
• If the object is too heavy to lift, try splitting the load or making two trips. If that's not possible, seek help.