What are the safety precautions for performing elevated lifts?

Safety Precautions for Performing Elevated Lifts

To minimize injury risk during elevated lifts, implement proper body mechanics, use appropriate equipment, and adhere to weight limits based on lifting frequency, duration, and distance from the body. 1

General Safety Guidelines

Weight Limits

• The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends a maximum weight limit of 51 pounds for an ideal lift 1
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends two-person lifts for weights exceeding 50 pounds 1
• Reduce weight limits when:
  • Lifting objects far from the body
  • Performing repetitive lifts
  • Lifting for extended periods
  • Lifting from floor level or overhead

Proper Lifting Technique

• Position feet shoulder-width apart for stable base
• Keep load close to body (within 15 inches) 2
• Bend at knees and hips, not waist
• Maintain neutral spine position
• Avoid twisting while lifting
• Use smooth, controlled movements
• Engage core muscles throughout lift

Specific Lifting Scenarios

Floor-Level Lifting

• Avoid lifting objects from below mid-shin level 2
• Floor-level lifting increases risk of:
  • Back injury due to torso flexion 2
  • Preterm labor in pregnant women (3-fold increased risk) 2
  • Spontaneous abortion in pregnant women 2

Overhead Lifting

• Avoid overhead lifting when possible 2
• Overhead lifting increases:
  • Postural instability
  • Risk of shoulder injuries
  • Risk of objects falling

Repetitive Lifting

• Decrease maximum weight for repetitive lifting tasks
• For repetitive short-duration lifting:
  • Reduce weight by 30-50% compared to infrequent lifting 2
• For repetitive long-duration lifting:
  • Reduce weight by 50-70% compared to infrequent lifting 2

Special Populations

Pregnant Workers

• Adjust weight limits based on gestational age:
  • Before 20 weeks: Keep objects within 15 inches of body 2
  • After 20 weeks: Keep objects within 20 inches of body due to abdominal protrusion 2
• Avoid floor-level lifting and overhead lifting completely 2
• Reduce weight limits for all lifting patterns during pregnancy 2

Workers with Cardiovascular Disease

• Begin with low-intensity resistance training 2
• Patients with stable cardiovascular disease can participate in low to moderate-intensity resistance training without additional testing if they have acceptable functional capacity (≥4 METs) 2
• Use machines rather than free weights for greater safety 2

Workers with Musculoskeletal Conditions

• Machine-based lifting is safer than free weights for those with:
  • Advanced arthritis
  • Severe osteoporosis
  • Neuropathies
  • Neurological conditions 2
• Seek guidance from a clinical exercise physiologist or physical therapist for proper equipment adjustment and exercise progression 2

Organizational Safety Measures

• Implement comprehensive safe handling programs to reduce injury rates 3
• Provide ceiling lifts rather than floor-based lifts when possible for patient handling (associated with less low back and shoulder pain) 4
• Consider the following factors when designing lifting protocols:
  • Complexity of task
  • Time constraints
  • Knowledge of proper techniques
  • Equipment availability 5

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Lifting with one hand (increases injury risk) 2
• Lifting unstable loads 2
• Lifting for more than 8 hours per day 2
• Twisting while lifting
• Ignoring early signs of fatigue or discomfort
• Failing to use available lifting equipment
• Lifting beyond recommended weight limits

By following these safety precautions, workers can significantly reduce their risk of musculoskeletal injuries, particularly to the back, shoulders, and knees, while performing elevated lifts.