Welcome to the Department of Industrial Relations
Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH)
Improving Manual Material Handling etool
| Home | Lifting/Lowering | Carrying | Alternatives | Resources | Credits |

Lifting/Lowering

3. Handling unstable or heavy loads, Safer Ways To Do This

  • Tag the load to alert workers.
  • Test the load for stability and weight before carrying the load.
  • Use mechanical devices or equipment to lift the load.
  • Reduce the weight of the load by:
    • Putting fewer items in the container.
    • Using a smaller and/or lighter-weight container.
  • Repack containers so contents will not shift and the weight is balanced.
  • Use team lifting as a temporary measure for heavy or bulky objects.

2 people lifting safely     A guy using equipment to lift heavy objects