Before we address the serious matter of manual handling, we thought we’d brighten your day a little with a shockingly bad New Year’s joke:

What happened to the man who shoplifted a calendar on New Year’s Eve?

He got 12 months!

Now we’ve broken the ice, we wanted to cover the topic of safe lifting and give you some guidelines for manual handling in the UK (read carefully, ’cause this is no joke…):

1) Plan the lift:
Before attempting to lift an object, it is important to plan the lift and assess the risks. It isn’t as easy as simply picking it up. This includes considering the weight and size of the object, the distance it needs to be moved, and the availability of appropriate lifting aids.

2) Use the correct technique:
When lifting an object, it is important to use the correct form to avoid injury. This typically involves bending the knees, keeping the back straight, and using the legs to lift the object, rather than the back. Time to put your New Year’s working out resolution to use – practice this technique and not only will you become even stronger but you’ll also be safe doing so!

3) Ask for help:
If an object is too heavy or awkward to lift safely on your own, it is important to ask for help. Don’t think you can do it on your own? Grab a buddy and make it a two-man job! This can prevent injuries and also make the lift more efficient.

4) Use lifting aids:
Lifting aids, such as trolleys, hoists, and cranes, can help to reduce the risk of injury when lifting heavy or awkward objects. These aids should be used where appropriate and should be properly maintained and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Let these tools do the heavy lifting!

5) Maintain a good grip:
It is important to maintain a good grip on the object being lifted, to prevent it from slipping and causing injury (make sure to look after your toes). This can be achieved by using gloves, or by using lifting aids that provide a secure grip.

6) Avoid sudden movements:
Sudden movements can cause injuries and should be avoided when lifting objects. This means moving slowly and smoothly and avoiding jerky or sudden movements.

7) Keep the load close to the body:
To maintain balance and control, it is important to keep the load close to the body when lifting it. This can help to prevent the object from swinging or shifting, which can cause injuries.

8) Dispose of the load safely:
Once the object has been lifted, it is important to put it down safely – please don’t just chuck it down on the floor. This may involve placing it on a stable surface or using a lifting aid to lower it to the ground.