The law requires employers to implement organizational measures or provide appropriate aids to prevent employees from lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling heavy loads.
If these tasks cannot be avoided, assistive devices should be used, and employees should be trained and educated in their proper use and correct body posture.
Lifting objects with a bent or twisted back increases the load on the spine compared to lifting with a straight back. Limited space for maintaining good posture can lead to twisting the upper body, which often occurs during activities like mowing or caring for bedridden or mobility-impaired individuals.
The risk of musculoskeletal symptoms in the upper back, shoulders, neck, and arms increases when objects are frequently or continuously lifted at or above shoulder height or far from the body. Even if the load is not excessively heavy for the back, it can still be too much for the arms and shoulders.
Lifting above shoulder height makes it difficult to maintain balance with the load, further increasing the risk of musculoskeletal symptoms in the back.
The heavier an object and the further it is held from the body, the greater the stress on the body. Ideally, the maximum weight of a load should not exceed 25 kilograms. However, numerous other factors can contribute to symptoms from the musculoskeletal system.
Including:
Weight and/or size of an item
The object is unmanageable or difficult to grasp
The object is unstable or has content that can move
Frequency of lifting and duration of breaks between tasks
Distance an object must be transported
Congestion in the workspace can affect proper body positioning
Location and organization of objects in the work environment
Height at which an object is picked up and put down
Distance of an object from the body
Environmental factors such as cold, ice, obstacles and unstable surfaces
Vibration from objects or technical equipment
Inadequate training on proper lifting techniques and use of assistive devices
Poor physical condition, lack of stamina, energy, or illness
Lack of control over the pace of work
Lifting and carrying are among the many synergistic factors that can contribute to work-related musculoskeletal pain. Chronic pain not only limits work capacity but also impairs quality of life. Therefore, it is crucial to use assistive devices whenever possible.
If assistive devices are not available, consider these tips:
Get training in the safest ways to lift, carry, push, and pull.
Keep the object close to your body whenever possible.
Hold the object with both hands if feasible.
Maintain a good grip with relaxed shoulders and elbows close to your body.
Ensure good balance when lifting.
Lift with a straight back, bending your knees and hips.
Shift your body weight from your toes to your heels while lifting.
Avoid lifting and twisting your trunk simultaneously.
Get help from others for lifting heavy weights.
Avoid lifting above shoulder height.
Take more trips if necessary.
Use your body weight to push or pull objects forward.
Examine working conditions, such as the height of tables and other fixtures. When stacking or removing items from tables, forklifts, or platforms, ensure that the working position and equipment are adjustable to suit each person.
Pushing and Pulling
To assess whether pushing or pulling tasks pose a health risk to employees, consider the following factors:
Weight of the object
Distance required to push or pull
Condition of the surface and type of wheels
Ease of grasping the object
Reachable height of the object
Physical condition of the staff
Reducing stress from pushing or pulling
To minimize the stress associated with pushing or pulling tasks, consider the following tips:
Get a good grip on the object.
Hold the object at a comfortable height and lean forward while pushing.
Lean your body back and use your own weight when pulling.
Use straps to secure the item when pulling.
The Administration of Occupational Health and Safety has published posters with good advice for construction workers. One of them is titled: "Good advice when lifting heavy weights.”
Pregnant individuals and those who are breastfeeding are advised not to lift heavier than 10-12 kilograms from the fourth month of pregnancy and for three months after giving birth. After the seventh month, the recommended maximum weight is five to six kilograms.
As the belly grows during pregnancy, objects that could previously be lifted close to the body must be held further away, increasing the load on the back. Due to these changes and the physical demands during pregnancy and the first few months postpartum, lifting heavy objects is considered dangerous for both the pregnant person and the fetus.
The risk associated with lifting depends on the weight of the object, how it is lifted, how often it is lifted, and how far the object is from the center of the body. From the fourth month of pregnancy and for three months after giving birth, it is recommended to minimize lifting as much as possible.
Changes in body position due to a growing belly make it more difficult to stand or sit in the same position for extended periods. Bending, twisting, kneeling, or working on crutches also becomes more challenging. Prolonged standing or heavy walking can reduce blood flow to the uterus.
From the beginning of the fourth month of pregnancy, it is important to plan work so that you can alternate between sitting and standing. Rest breaks should be evenly distributed throughout the work shift, as the need for breaks increases as the pregnancy progresses.
(only avilable in Icelandic).
According to regulations on the work of children and teenagers, children should avoid lifting objects heavier than 8-10 kilograms.
Children: Individuals under the age of 15 or those in compulsory education.
The regulations also stipulate that young people should not lift objects weighing more than 12 kilograms.
Young people: Individuals under the age of 18.
Service provider
Administration of Occupational Safety and Health