How to carry a load when you are alone?

In this article, we teach you how to carry a load when you are alone.

How to properly carry a heavy load alone?

Carrying a load with several is recommended to lift and carry more easily by limiting the risk of getting hurt.

However, if you are alone to carry a heavy load, you must ensure that the load has enough catches, and that it respects the weight limit so that this task does not damage your health and safety. We are here to help you with this task.

Here are some helpful tips:

• Warm up your joints and back
• Use adequate safety equipment: gloves, shoes, helmets, goggles…
• Weigh the load to check if it does not exceed the maximum load
• Use machinery and tools as material handling solutions
• Make multiple trips to carry lighter loads
• Grip the load firmly, bend your knees and keep your back straight
• Breathe properly: inhale before lifting and exhale while lifting
• Stay hydrated
• Take breaks
• Rest after charging port

What are the positions to avoid?

It is necessary to avoid certain positions that are dangerous to health:

• Avoid twisting, rotations of the trunk
• Sudden movements, too fast
• The bent, hollowed back
• Carrying a load on one side only
• Kneeling too low

What is the maximum load allowed?

The maximum load that can be carried manually is 25 kg for a woman and 55 kg for a man unless medical advice allows to carry up to 105 kg.

What are the risks associated with carrying heavy loads regularly?

Lifting a heavy load causes or aggravates health problems such as:

• Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
• Back injuries: to the spine, herniated discs, damage to intervertebral discs, displacements of vertebrae, spinal cord
• Muscle tears
• Sprains

Some health problems are referred to as occupational diseases and can be considered a disability situation.

How can these risks be avoided?

You can limit health problems:

• By exercising regularly
• By adapting your position
• By consulting a health professional: occupational medicine, physiotherapist, occupational therapist
• By applying the right gestures and postures by following a training in gestures and postures

Now you know how to carry a heavy load alone. If you want to equip yourself to preserve the health and safety of your employees or learn more about our solutions, do not hesitate to contact us !