Safe Lifting Technique

Why you need it

Kitchens involve lifting sacks, stock pots, crates and deliveries every day, and poor handling can cause back and other injuries. Employers must avoid hazardous manual handling where reasonably practicable, and assess and reduce the risks that remain.

Good technique helps, but it supports the risk assessment rather than replacing it.

What it’s for

A safe lifting method: plan the lift and use an aid or get help, start with feet apart and one slightly ahead, keep the heaviest side close, lift smoothly without bending your back further, and move your feet to turn. It reminds staff not to lift more than they can manage.

How to use it

1. Fix it in the dry store, cellar or delivery area, where the heaviest lifting happens.
2. Store heavy items on lower shelves so nobody has to lift them from high up.
3. Keep trolleys and sack trucks where staff can easily reach them.
4. Show new starters the technique with a real load and ask them to report any strain or pain.
5. Review your manual handling risk assessment if a task keeps causing problems.