Milz Werkzeuge DE
Guide · Safety

Occupational safety: Lifting without injuring your back

Your back and joints suffer when lifting. Vacuum lifters help, but they are no substitute for correct technique.

Contents

  1. Why lifting so often leads to injuries
  2. The right technique
  3. Tool instead of muscle
  4. Check before lifting

Why lifting so often leads to injuries

A bent posture with a load in your hands puts considerable strain on the spinal discs. On construction sites, back problems are one of the most common causes of absence.

A suction lifter shifts the load from the wrist to the surface, but you are still carrying the weight. Posture remains crucial.

The right technique

  • Keep the load close to your body.
  • Lift with bent legs, not from the lower back.
  • Do not lift and turn at the same time.
  • For heavy loads, work in pairs or with equipment.
  • Take breaks and set the load down in between.

    • Tool instead of muscle

    A suction lifter with a carrying handle and automatic pump allows you to move the load in a controlled way. For very large slabs, two devices or a set is the safest solution.

    For repetitive production work, a hoist with a balancer can take additional strain off the back.

    Check before lifting

    Before each lift: pad clean, vacuum stable, plate secured, path clear.

    Safety is not an add-on, but part of the job. A quick check before lifting prevents most accidents.

    This guide is editorial and general. For safety questions the manufacturer datasheet applies.