This checklist was developed using material from two sources:  Lifting Checklist for Employers (taken from A Guide to Manual Materials Handling, by A. Mital, A.S. Nicholson and M.M. Ayoub, Taylor & Francis Inc. Bristol, PA, 1993) and a checklist developed by American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

Employer checklist

Lifting

	Provide mechanical assist devices, table or pallets to allow waist-height lifting
	Encourage employees to get assistance in moving bulky/ heavy loads
	Make loads smaller
	Eliminate risk of sudden movement or shifting load
	Reduce lifting and lowering distances
	Reduce carrying distances
	Schedule regular rest breaks for employees doing heavy physical work; ensure breaks are taken

Awkward Postures

	Examine workstations to ensure the equipment and work area allow workers to perform tasks in safest positions and postures
	Create good workplace design to minimize unnecessary bending, twisting, or reaching
	Eliminate space constraints that prevent good posture

Working Environment

	Provide clean workplace free of obstacles, spills, and elevation changes with good lighting and traffic patterns for materials movement
	Provide non-skid, cushioned floors
	Regularly review accident and injury records to identify problem areas and eliminate hazards
	Encourage early evaluation and treatment of injuries

Employee checklist

Lifting

	Keep lifted objects close to body at hip or waist level
	Evenly balance load with both arms
	Get help if load is too bulky or heavy to lift alone or split into smaller, lighter loads
	Take rest breaks and stretch
	Avoid twisting, bending, and reaching while lifting

Awkward Postures

	Monitor workstation and habits to incorporate improved ways to sit/ stand/ move
	Make sure work surface is at comfortable height
	Alternate between sitting and standing tasks
	Use a chair with good back support

Working Environment

	Maintain firm footing and wear comfortable, low-heeled, closed toe, non-slip shoes
	Reports and/ or work to eliminate hazards in the workplace
	See a doctor if you have a back injury or other illness