Safe lifting (manual handling) poster

Manual handling, lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling by hand, is one of the most common causes of back injuries at work. The first answer is to avoid or reduce it with lift aids, better layout and lighter loads; when a lift is still needed, technique helps. This poster sets out the eight steps of good handling technique from the HSE guide to manual handling: think first, a stable stance, a good hold, a good posture, the load close to the waist, no twisting, head up and a smooth move.

Download the poster

The PNG is free to download now. The print-ready vector PDFs open after a short form, once.

Download PNG (300 dpi)2550 x 3300 px, prints at 8.5 x 11 in · 384 KB · no form

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Safe lifting poster — 24 x 36 in18 x 24 inA2A3LetterA4PNG 300 dpi

The words on the poster

Lift it safely

First ask: can a trolley, hoist or lift table do it instead?

Think first Where is it going? Need help? Clear the route.
Stable stance Feet apart, one leg slightly forward.
Good hold Hug the load close to your body.
Good posture Bend knees and hips a little. Don't stoop.
Load close to the waist Heaviest side next to your body.
Don't twist Turn by moving your feet.
Head up Look ahead, not down at the load.
Move smoothly No jerking. Put it down, then adjust it.

Too heavy or awkward? Don't lift it. Use a lift aid or get help.

Good handling technique from HSE INDG143, Manual handling at work.

On the floor

How to use it

Putting the Safe lifting (manual handling) poster to work

1
Post it where loads are lifted by hand: stores, docks, line feeding and kitting.
2
Use it in induction and after any strain injury or discomfort report.
3
Ask first whether the lift can be avoided with a trolley, hoist or lift table.
4
Pair it with the workstation ergonomics poster and the free ergonomic risk assessment checklist.

Where the poster goes and how to teach with it, in the order to try them.

Which size to print

24 x 36 in or A2: a main wall or team board, read from a few metres away.
18 x 24 in or A3: a station or notice board. The A3 file also fits 11 x 17 in paper.
Letter or A4: a clipboard, binder or handout, on any office printer.

Every PDF is vector, so it stays sharp at full size. Nothing runs to the edge of the page, so no bleed is needed.