MMH - Large and Heavy Sacks

Lift heavy and large sacks in two stages using an intermediate platform.

When lifting, remember to:

• Straddle the end of the sack.
• Bend the hips and knees.
• Keep the back straight.
• Don't stoop.
• Grasp the bag with both hands under the end closest to you. Keep elbows inside the thighs.
• Lean forward and straighten the knees to set the bag upright.
• Move your feet closer to the sack.
• Squat with the sack between the thighs with one foot flat on the floor in front of the other.
• Grasp the sack with your elbow inside the thighs. With one hand clasp the sack against your body and use your other hand to hold the bottom of the sack.
• Stand up in one smooth motion.
• Place the sack upright on the platform.
• Place one foot in front of the other with the front foot along side of the platform.
• Bend the hips and knees and keep the back straight.
• Put one shoulder against the sack.
• Readjust your grasp.
• Lean the sack against your shoulder.
• Stand up and straighten the hips and knees.
• Make sure your hands and feet are clear when putting the load down.

Bulkier sacks are easier to carry on your back. Lift the sack onto your back from a platform as described below.

• Move the sack to the edge of the platform.
• Put your back against the sack.
• Grasp the sack with both hands on the upper corners of the sack.
• Ease the sack onto your back, bending your hips and knees before taking the weight.
• Keep your back straight.
• Stand up and straighten your hips and knees.
• Stabilize the sack.
• Move away without bending sideways.

• Position one person on either side of the sack.
• Squat with one foot balancing behind the sack.
• Keep your back straight.
• Hold the bottom of the sack with your closer hand and grasp the upper corner with your outer hand.
• On one person's command, both people:
  • Stand up and straighten their hips and knees.
  • Move towards the stack.
  • Put the sack on the stack.