How many kilos can I lift and how do I do it ergonomically correct?
Do you work at a workplace that requires you to be physical and handle several kilos at a time? If yes, then it is super important
that you know how many kilos you are actually allowed to lift, as well as how to do it best.
Both regarding ergonomically correct positions, and we also focus on which aids can help you best
to handle a heavy work task. These are some of the topics we focus on in this article.
How many kg can I lift?
There are some different guidelines around how much you are actually allowed to lift.
It depends on your age and whether your workplace has optimal conditions. If you are for example under 18 years old, you may lift a maximum of 12 kg.
This corresponds roughly to a beer crate with empty bottles. However you may push or pull up to 250 kg.
The difference here lies in that when you push or pull, you use your body differently compared to when you lift directly.
When you lift directly, you often use your back more, which can be dangerous if it is a heavy lift.
If you are over 18 years old, you may lift a maximum of around 20 kg. However the number of kg varies a lot from company to company.
In some places you may carry a maximum of around 15 kg and in other places down to only 8 kg.
Therefore it is a good rule of thumb to remember that you may carry a maximum of 20 kg, but check your own workplaces internal rules.
What are the ergonomic guidelines for manual handling?
When you lift, it is important that you are not lifting with your back, but with your legs. What most often causes back injuries is that people lift with their back instead of their legs.
You should do it with a straight back and lift the object close to your body. It is super important that you lift with your legs,
no matter how much weight is involved. Even if you lift only a few kg, but you lift with your back and lift away from your body, it can cause major ergonomic strain.
Check if your workplace is ergonomically designed. There are certain requirements for how a workplace should be designed
regarding ergonomically correct materials and layout. Among other things, your employer is obligated to give you an introduction
to how to handle manual lifting and other ergonomic difficulties best. This introduction must be given to all employees,
also when new materials or new technology arrive at the workplace.
If you or your colleagues have discovered a problem for the working environment at your workplace, you must report this to the companys work environment representative.
Which aids are best for heavy lifting?
There are many different aids that can help you lift heavy.
A pallet truck is one of the best aids you can use when you need to lift something heavy.
With a pallet truck you can typically lift up to 2,500 kg, so it makes everything much easier.
However not all workplaces are designed to accommodate a pallet truck. If a pallet truck is not ideal
then a hand truck can be very useful for your heavy lifting at the workplace. A hand truck can typically handle up to approx. 250 kg.
If you need to move many heavy things, moving straps can be another good solution for you.
These are straps that you fasten around your body and then around the object you want to lift, so you lift more with your whole body instead of just arms, back, etc.