MMH - Team Handling

"Team handling" occurs when more than one person is involved during the lift.

• Use team lifting and carrying where other solutions are inappropriate.
• Remember that the combined strength of the team is less than the sum of individual strength.
• Select team members of similar height and strength.
• Assign a leader to the team.
• Determine a set of commands to be used, such as "lift," "walk," "stop," and "down." Make sure that everyone knows what to do when they hear the command.
• Follow the commands given by the team leader.
• Practice team lifting and carrying together before attempting the task.

• Use a shoulder pad to reduce compression.
• Carry the load on the same shoulder. By doing so, if the load begins to fall, both workers can step out of the way safely.
• Walk in step. Note that if the load is flexible, walking out of step may help prevent the load from bouncing. 

• Use straps.
• Adjust the length of the straps according to your height.

• Use webbing around straps to secure them from slipping off.
• Use dollies, furniture movers, or other platform trucks to assist in transport. 
• Obtain assistance while loading a heavy object on the truck.
• Use your body weight to tilt the object.
• Place the lip of the truck under the object.

• Secure the load with straps.
• Tip the truck back with assistance.

• Move the load. The assisting person directs the movement.