Legislative Requirements and Safe Lifting Practices

The Alberta OH & S Code Part 14 outlines the legislative requirements around lifting and handling.

• Employers must conduct a hazard assessment of manual materials handling activities, addressing both physical and psychological fit of workers (OH & S Code Part 14 Section 210)
  • What is Manual Material Handling?
    • Work that involves lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying and manoeuvring of loads which can include boxes, equipment or patients
• Employers must develop and implement a safe patient handling program and workers must follow the safe handling program requirements (OH & S Code Part 14 Section 209.2)

Here are the 4 main points to follow when lifting at work and at home.

1. Keep the natural curve in the lower back
2. Contract the abdominal muscles and use the leg muscles to move the body
3. Avoid twisting as it makes the back less stable
4. Hold the load close to the belly button